The 2026 Ampol State of Origin Series kicks off in Sydney as the NSW Blues take on the Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium. With more than 80,000 fans expected to attend, this will be one of the biggest rugby league nights of the year.
If you’re heading to the match with friends, family, workmates, or your footy crew, planning transport early is essential. Between peak-hour traffic, packed trains, and limited parking, getting to Sydney Olympic Park can quickly become stressful without proper planning.
Here’s everything you need to know about State of Origin Game I, including venue details, transport information, and why booking a party bus is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the night.
State of Origin Game I 2026 Event Details
Event
State of Origin Game I
NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons
Venue
Accor Stadium
Date
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Key Timings
- Gates Open: 5:00 PM
- Peter Mulholland Cup Kick-off: 6:05 PM
- Pre-match Entertainment: 7:30 PM
- State of Origin Game I Kick-off: 8:05 PM
- Full-time: Approximately 10:00 PM
Located in Sydney Olympic Park, Accor Stadium is Australia’s largest stadium and one of the country’s premier sporting venues. The stadium regularly hosts major rugby league clashes, concerts, and international sporting events.
Getting to Accor Stadium for State of Origin
With massive crowds expected, public transport authorities are strongly encouraging fans to avoid driving if possible.
Match tickets include travel on Sydney public transport services, including:
- Express trains
- Limited-stop train services
- Major event buses
Olympic Park Station is around a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
However, even with additional services running, trains and buses are expected to be extremely crowded before and after the match.
Parking is also expected to fill quickly, and pre-book parking closes at 11:59 PM the day before the event.
Traffic congestion around Sydney Olympic Park after full-time can add up to an hour or more to your journey home.
Why More Groups Are Booking Party Bus Hire for State of Origin
For large sporting events like State of Origin, group transport can quickly become difficult to organise. Coordinating multiple cars, rideshares, parking spots, and train schedules often creates unnecessary stress before the game even starts.
That’s why many groups choose a private party bus instead.
With a dedicated bus hire, your group can travel together, avoid parking headaches, and enjoy the night from the moment you leave home until you return safely after the match.
Whether you’re organising transport for:
- Friends heading to the game
- Corporate groups
- Bucks parties
- Footy clubs
- Social groups
- Large family outings
A party bus makes the experience easier and far more enjoyable.
You can also explore our Concert, Event & Festival Transfers service for other major Sydney events throughout the year.
Travel Together Instead of Splitting Into Multiple Cars
One of the biggest advantages of booking a party bus for the State of Origin is keeping everyone together.
No one gets left behind trying to find parking. No one misses the train. No one has to deal with expensive last-minute rideshare surge pricing after the game.
Your group can:
- Depart together
- Arrive together
- Enjoy music and entertainment onboard
- Return home safely together
For corporate or private group outings, our Corporate Bus Hire Sydney service is also a popular option for sporting events and stadium transfers.
Party Bus Features Available
Depending on your group size, we offer a range of buses with features including:
- LED party lighting
- Laser lights
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Sound systems with subwoofers
- Air conditioning
- Spacious seating
- Dance floor options on selected buses
- Smoke machines on selected vehicles
We also offer buses suitable for:
- Small groups
- Medium-sized parties
- Large sporting event crowds
If you’re planning other celebrations this year, you can also check out:
Avoid Match Day Transport Stress
State of Origin is one of the busiest nights on Sydney’s sporting calendar. Roads around Olympic Park become heavily congested both before and after the match, especially during weeknight peak traffic.
Booking a private bus means:
- No parking stress
- No train delays
- No designated driver needed
- Easier group coordination
- Safe transport home after the match
It also gives your group more flexibility with pickup locations and return times.
Book Your State of Origin Party Bus Early
Demand for party bus hire during major Sydney sporting events increases quickly, especially for large groups attending the State of Origin.
If you’re planning to attend Game I at Accor Stadium, booking early is highly recommended to secure your preferred vehicle size and schedule.
Request a Quote to book your party bus. Call Party Shuttles Sydney today at 0401 606 020 to hire a party bus in Sydney for the State of Origin 2025.
Whether you’re travelling with a small group of mates or organising transport for a large crowd, Party Shuttles Sydney can help make your State of Origin Sydney night easier, safer, and far more enjoyable.
