Injured Brisbane Lions midfielder and home-grown Queenslander Claye Beams has put his support behind a campaign designed to encourage visiting and local Brisbane fans to ‘show their colours’ during what promises to be a big month of football in June.      

Beams joined the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk on Wednesday to help launch a month of footy fever in The City.

Part of the festivities will include the Lions’ Gabba blockbuster against AFL ladder-leaders Geelong on Sunday 23 June.

Brisbane will also host the first test between the Qantas Wallabies and The British & Irish Lions as part of the DHL Australia 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour, while Queensland’s own Reds will also take on the might of the Lions on Saturday 8 June, as well as do battle against the Melbourne Rebels.

In Rugby League, Brisbane’s Broncos will tackle the New Zealand Warriors and West Tigers, and State of Origin returns to Suncorp.

Speaking at the launch of Brisbane Marketing’s Show Your Colours campaign, Cr Quirk said the convergence of high profile national and international games would see an influx of locals and visitors for football and festivities.

“These events are expected to attract almost 70,000 visitors to Brisbane and inject fun and excitements as well as an estimated $17.7 million into the local economy,” he said.

“Brisbane Marketing is working closely with Tourism and Events Queensland as well as retailers, accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and bars to activate our city to ensure it is colourful and welcoming to fans.

“The city will be themed, with live sites and fan zones, illuminated infrastructure such as buildings and bridges with and special celebrations being planned for different precincts after each game including: Post Office Square, South Bank, Caxton Street and Eagle Street.                                         

“Some hotels are offering themed rooms, and Brisbane’s leading pubs, bars and restaurants are supporting with cleverly created cocktails, menu specials, early dining options and much more.

“A dedicated Show Your Colours website and activity guide is available to help fans make the most of Brisbane’s lifestyle, events and activities.

“I encourage everyone in Brisbane to proudly show their colours and ensure we give our visitors our warmest welcome.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said tourism was a key driver of the Queensland economy and the Newman Government recognised the important role events play in boosting visitor numbers to the state.

“According to the latest Tourism Research Australia figures, Brisbane welcomed six million visitors in 2012, and major events like these allow us to showcase our capital city as a premier holiday destination to a national and global audience.

“The Show Your Colours campaign is a fantastic initiative which will create a vibrant festival atmosphere across Queensland’s capital and help cement Brisbane’s reputation as a leading sporting events destination.”

“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland supports this campaign as it will bring the Brisbane community together and showcase the city as a destination to travellers.”

Visit www.footybrisbane.com.au for more information.