National Rugby League footy fever is here and Bathurst is ready. 

Mayor Gary Rush said yesterday that Carrington Park is looking better than ever as it prepares to host the match between Canberra and Penrith tomorrow.

“We undertook major upgrading work [at the ground] prior to the 2015 NRL game,” he said. 

“As a result, Carrington Park underwent substantial improvements, including a new irrigation system.

“In the first game in 2014, which was played in the middle of July, the drain on the field didn’t drain as well as it should have, and because we have a long-term relationship with the NRL we undertook the improvements to have the ground up to NRL level.”

Cr Rush said as a result the grounds are in pristine condition.

“It’s a great playing surface. The grounds look tremendous,” he said.

Cr Rush said council had been undertaking final preparations this week to ensure everything was ready to go for tomorrow’s match.

This included having 1100 kilograms of ice transported to Bathurst for ice baths for the players as part of their post-game recovery.

Council has also been busy putting the finishing touches on the VIP marquee, which overlooks the playing field. 

It’s 450 square metres big with a 560sqm corporate deck from which to watch the game.

If VIPs prefer, they can watch from the 18sqm big screen inside the tent.

Cr Rush said excitement about the match was building, as shown by strong ticket sales. 

He said tickets to the corporate area had already sold out, and the grandstand was also nearing capacity. 

However, there are still general admission tickets available.

Visit www.bathurstnrl.com.au. Tickets are also available from Bathurst Panthers.