Maitland to host Athletics NSW Country Championships

Maitland's Regional Athletics Centre will host the event from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 January 2022, in a first for our city and the new facility.

A spokesperson for Maitland City Council said they are excited we are hosting the event.

"The NSW Country Championships are a great opportunity to showcase the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre facility and Maitland as a destination," they said.

In other news:

Traditionally, the Championships attract around 1,000 competitors who are expected to bring their families and friends.

Council's conservative estimate is that 3,500 visitors are expected to Maitland over the weekend, with thousands of visitors staying for two nights and filling our accommodation venues.

Tourism Research Australia (2019) estimates overnight visitors spend $108 per day, while day trip visitors spend $99 per day.

Based on this, Council predicts the event will inject approximately $600,000 into the local economy as these visitors explore our retail, hospitality and accommodation venues.

The spokesperson said council worked closely with Athletics NSW to discuss the opportunity and ultimately, Athletics NSW chose the award winning new facility to host the event.

Athletics NSW will run the event in a COVID-Safe way.

The Maitland Regional Athletics Centre opened in October, 2020 and has a World Athletics Class II facility rating.

It is currently the home of Maitland Senior and Little Athletics Club.

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