Canberra Stadium turns on beer tap to lure back fans

There was a backlash from ACT Brumbies fans after only mid-strength beer was served at their opening two home games at Canberra Stadium.

People with bags, including handbags, were told they couldn't bring them in and were forced to take them back to their car.

Both measures were part of the COVID-19 restrictions in place - even after the stadium returned to full capacity.

In good news for both Brumbies and Canberra Raiders fans, full-strength beer will be back this weekend.

But the bag rule will remain in place for the time being.

The news comes as the Raiders prepare for a blockbuster crowd for their season opener against the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

They're expecting a crowd of 16,000-20,000 as they go into the NRL season as one of the premiership favourites.

It will be their biggest crowd since 26,567 went to the 2019 preliminary final against South Sydney.

The Brumbies have a blockbuster of their own - a Super Rugby AU grand final rematch against the Queensland Reds on Saturday.

Both sides go in as the only two undefeated teams.

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Raiders winger Bailey Simonsson, who also played rugby union as part of the All Blacks' sevens program, was excited to have crowds back.

"I think they're hoping for 20,000 plus they were saying. It's good for the local community," he said.

"They obviously missed out on a lot last year with COVID - missing out on coming to games and limited numbers at the games.

"It's going to be a big day for Canberra and everyone out there, and hopefully we can put a good performance together and repay their faith."

While Brumbies fans have had a couple of weeks to get used to the no bag rule, Raiders chief executive Don Furner wanted to get the message out to the Green Machine faithful.

The measure was designed to minimise the public's contact with security guards, who had to search all incoming bags.

It was also designed to reduce queues and large groups of fans coming together at the gates.

Fans also have to pre-purchase tickets as the ticket booths were closed for the same reason.

"It's there to reduce the crowding at the gate when they're bag checking and obviously it's quicker to get through if you don't need your bag checked," Furner said.

"So there's still some protocols we have to follow. Hopefully they'll be lifted in the near future - that's up to the stadium.

"But certainly for the first couple of games I'd encourage people not to carry a bag in ... we encourage people to read the terms and conditions and adhere to that."

SUPER RUGBY AU

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm.

NRL ROUND ONE

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.

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