The Station set for live site as world’s best surfers drop-in to Newcastle

A ‘live site’ for the community to soak up the festival atmosphere of the World Surf League (WSL)’s Newcastle Cup has been created at The Station.

Thousands of spectators are expected to descend on Merewether Beach each day to watch the world’s best 52 pro-surfers face off from this Thursday.

For those who can’t get beachside for the action at Merewether, City of Newcastle is creating a live Newcastle Cup hub with big screen projection of the live action taking place on Merewether Beach, complete with food trucks and live entertainment.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the live site will be a family-friendly way for locals to enjoy the festival atmosphere brought through the Championship Tour event.

“The anticipation for WSL’s Newcastle Cup is building with vision of superstars like Carissa Moore, Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreria sampling the swell off Merewether and Dixon Park beaches last week being shared all over social media,” the Lord Mayor said.

“WSL has had a huge response to its free ticket ballot being run through Ticketek, and it’s looking like each surfing day will be at capacity at the Merewether Beach event precinct.

“City of Newcastle’s live site will be the place to catch the action for anyone who missed out on tickets or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to watch the surfing while having a drink and a bite to eat.

“With Job Keeper ending this week, the Newcastle Cup is expected to deliver a timely $15 million-plus injection into our region’s economy, with many businesses still on the road to economic recovery following COVID-19 disruptions.

“Already, the event is proving to be a major economic driver with our city's hotels bursting over the next two-week period, some at 100% occupancy, accommodating the influx of WSL competitors, media representatives, event officials and fans.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes and avid surfing fans to Newcastle and encourage locals to join in the atmosphere and excitement of the Newcastle Cup at The Station.”

Visit City of Newcastle’s new What’s ON website to discover what else is happening across Newcastle during an ‘Action-Packed April’ in the city.

City of Newcastle, in partnership with the NSW Government through tourism and major events agency Destination NSW secured Merewether Beach as the first Australian stop on the World Surf League’s revamped 2021 Championship Tour.