On Monday, the region’s worst kept secret was revealed with the City v Country 2017 match to be held at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in May 2017.

The $11.5 million stadium is putting Mudgee on the sporting map with other major regional centres – including Dubbo and Bathurst - vying for the coveted event.

But it was clearly a no brainer for the NRL and CRL with the grand 10,000 seat capacity stadium in Mudgee and the regions impressive track record for hosting large scale events.

Glen Willow Stadium has performed under pressure hosting a Parramatta Eels match in 2012 and A-League pre-season games in 2014.

The announcement is another massive win for sports fans across the Mid Western region with the excitement already building for the Waratahs v Brumbies match.

The February 2017 sporting event was announced back in October and a poll on the Mudgee Guardian website showed over 62 per cent of respondents would buy tickets to the trial game.

Even if you’re not a sports lover, the benefits of Mudgee hosting these two major events is  clear for the region.

Up to 10,000 enthusiastic sports fans will travel to the region and spend big.

Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Des Kennedy described the Country v City game at Monday’s announcement as a “fantastic boost for our region.”

Glen Willow is set to shine on a national stage with the Country v City match to be televised on Channel 9 meaning the region will be showcased to a captive audience around Australia.

An increase in tourist numbers equals an increase in spending at local shops and restaurants.

Accommodation providers are already getting booked up for the February match and will now have to start preparing for the May date.

That’s clearly a win-win for the Mudgee region.

Not only do locals get to enjoy the atmosphere and a great sports day at Glen Willow, but the region will continue to thrive with the flow on effects from these major events.

The push is now on for Mudgee to host a permanent scheduled NRL game from 2018.