by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Since Jan. 1, 1946 when the first Gator Bowl game was played, it has been a known fact that people will come to Jacksonville, stay in hotels and patronize restaurants and lounges if there’s a sports event involved.
Sports is big business in this city, and that concept is being taken up a notch this week with the events leading up to the “Australia Day Challenge” rugby match Jan. 26 at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.
Events involving the South Sydney Rabbitohs from Australia and the Leeds Rhinos from England will be held from Downtown to the beaches, and the match is bringing many new visitors that will come to Jacksonville for the first time.
According to Mike Bouda, sports and entertainment coordinator for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, tickets have been sold to rugby fans from 38 states and seven foreign countries.
“There has been a media blitz centered around the match and that it’s in Jacksonville in Australia and in England, so we’re getting worldwide exposure,” he said. “It’s also a way to add another sport to the calendar of events, and it falls right between football and baseball seasons.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted an international rugby match like this and we plan to use it to build on the future.”
Bouda said one of the people who will be in Jacksonville for the match is Richard Lewis, chair of the Rugby League European Federation and deputy chair of the Rugby League International Federation.
“While he’s here, we’ll be talking to him about bringing the biggest rugby game in the world, the equivalent of our Super Bowl, to Jacksonville.”
One of the events leading up to the match will be a dinner and autograph signing session with the Leeds Rhinos tomorrow night at the London Bridge Pub Downtown.
Co-owner Paul Nigara had cases of Barons beer and ale, one of the top brands in Australia, delivered this week in anticipation of crowds of thirsty rugby fans, both foreign and domestic.
“It’s good for Jacksonville to get this kind of international exposure,” he said. “It’s also very good for business.”
For ticket information and a schedule of events, visit www.jaxaxe.com.