Representing an increase of 4.3 per cent from last year's spend of $537.3 million, IBISWorld general manager (Australia), Karen Dobie said football finals spending would provide a much appreciated boost to hospitality, tourism and retailers following a flat year for consumer spending overall.
"The AFL and NRL finals are milestone events for millions of Australians – and for most supporters, game tickets, big-screen TVs, alcohol and a bet or two will take precedence over prudence," Dobie said.
"This year, every state and territory except Tasmania and Northern Territory are represented across both finals series – meaning interest and spending will be up across Australia."
Add to this last month's negotiation of monster TV deals for both codes, and the promise that – for the first time – all finals will be telecast live. In light of this, IBISWorld anticipates more Australians than ever will tune in to this year's finals.
Pubs, bars and liquor sales
"Increased interest in this year's finals is sure to boost liquor sales – with IBISWorld expecting finals spending to generate $140 million for pubs and bars and over $150 million for liquor retailers," Dobie said.
In terms of what we will be drinking as we cheer on our teams, Dobie said premium and boutique beer and cider are expected to remain firm favourites – providing a further boost to revenue.
Tourism
With more interstate teams featured in the finals of both codes, IBISWorld expects this year's footy finals will inject $75 million into Australia's tourism industry.
"Domestic airlines, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes are all expected to benefit from increased tourism driven by travelling fans keen to support and watch their teams," Dobie said.
Sports betting
"This year, Australians are expected to flutter $111.6 million during the football finals – with fans betting on everything from the outcome of the game, to the best on ground with a simple click," Dobie said.
"As the growth of online betting continues across multiple platforms, such as smartphones, this segment is playing a key role in driving expenditure."
IBISWorld expects the AFL will draw the biggest share of the pie, accounting for over 60 per cent of betting spend ($69.1 million), while the NRL will draw $42.5 million.
Ticket sales
In 2012, IBISWorld expects fans will fork out $8.3 million on footy finals tickets, with 950,000 Australians attending an AFL or NRL final – a slight decrease from last year's attendance figure of 970,000.
"This year there is a higher proportion of interstate teams with smaller stadia in the finals. This means attendance numbers are expected to be down due to limited tickets and the spread of games across states, as fans are less likely to attend a game in a different state," Dobie said.
"Broken down to the different codes, the AFL by far draws the biggest crowds – and earns the most revenue – with 600,000 spectators expected to attend finals matches. By comparison, 350,000 spectators are expected to attend the NRL finals," Dobie said.
Appliances
Aussie fans unable to make it to a live game are likely to host a footy finals barbecue at home to the tune of $70.4 million for appliance retailers. IBISWorld expects big-screen TVs and new BBQs will be high on hosts' shopping lists.
"This year, Aussies have an added incentive to celebrate at home, with all finals for both codes being telecast live for the first time," Dobie said.