Record crowd delivers $2.03 million economic boost

Published on 22 August 2025

A sell-out crowd of 9925 fans filled Glen Willow Stadium tonight for the NRL Telstra Premiership Round 25 clash between the Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders, marking the biggest crowd ever seen at the venue.

The blockbuster match not only brought top-flight rugby league to the region but also injected an estimated $2.03 million into the local economy through visitor spending on accommodation, dining, retail, and tourism experiences.

In the end it went down to the wire as the Canberra Raiders took down the Penrith Panthers 20-16 in a nail-biting Golden Point.

Mayor Des Kennedy said the event was another outstanding success for the entire region.

“This is a tremendous result for our community,” Cr Kennedy said.

“Glen Willow has hosted its largest ever crowd, with almost 10,000 people here to witness elite rugby league in our own backyard. The atmosphere tonight has been incredible and the flow-on benefits for local businesses are just as exciting.

“The success of tonight’s event only reinforces Glen Willow’s reputation as one of the premier regional stadiums in New South Wales and a cornerstone venue for bringing major events to the Central West.

“Every seat sold means more visitors staying, eating, shopping, and experiencing the very best of our region.”

Council confirmed the fixture had sold out well in advance, with Panthers and Raiders supporters travelling from across Sydney, the Central West, and beyond to be part of the history-making event.

“As an added element, the Penrith Panthers were the first NRL team to use the new Mudgee Team Training Village this week, hosting training sessions at Glen Willow and engaging with the community through school visits and a coaching clinic. The facility is already showcasing its potential to attract elite teams, schools and corporates, with clear benefits for the local economy.”

The Penrith Panthers return to Glen Willow in 2026 as part of a two-year agreement with Council.