Docklands gears up for a triple-event weekend thriller

Thousands of people are set to descend on Docklands as the precinct prepares to host three major events in one packed weekend of high-octane fun in October.

In what is shaping up as one of the biggest boosts to the community, Docklands will host the Melbourne Boat Show, the Ice Hockey Australia National Championships, and the World Supercross Australian Grand Prix, which will all overlap on the weekend of October 21-22.

The events would not only provide a huge support for local businesses but bring confidence to the precinct which was sorely needed after extended COVID-19 lockdowns, the Docklands Chamber of Commerce’s executive officer Shane Wylie said.

“The chamber is working diligently with the organisers to make this year’s Melbourne Boat Show an unheralded success. It will consume NewQuay Promenade and beyond and we’d love to see it find its home here permanently,” he said, adding it was “such a win for the precinct”.

He said the chamber was also excited about the ice hockey championships being held at the O’Brien Icehouse, which would also “inject a beautiful economic impact into Docklands”.

“Hotels are already at capacity, and we absolutely have loved working with the championships from the get-go.”

After a three-year hiatus, the 60th Melbourne Boat Show will run across four spectacular days from October 20-23 at its new location on the Docklands waterfront after moving from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Sixty exhibitors will line NewQuay Promenade as huge crowds gather for the ultimate experience which will also see on-water boat displays and trials, waterfront boat displays, a boater’s marketplace, musical entertainment, boating and fishing stage presentations, seafood cooking demonstrations, a super fun kid’s zone, a marine jobs centre, prizes including a voucher valued up to $200,000, a visit from the tall ship Enterprize, and more.

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s chief executive Steve Walker said excitement was building for the show.

“There’s a boat show starved community out there, and a huge appetite for leisure, lifestyle, and boating. We are anticipating a great return to boat shows and are really looking forward to delivering this show,” he said.

Two major ice hockey tournaments will also attract thousands of visitors – with the Jim Brown men’s national championship and the women’s national championship being held from October 18 to 21 and October 20 to 23, respectively.

“These players are the best of the best this country has to offer, and we are so excited to hosting them in Melbourne,” president of Ice Hockey Victoria Maureen Black said.

“It’s also an opportunity to give back to our friends at Icehouse who look after our ice sports so well. We are so lucky to have such a great venue and one that’s run by such an awesome staff.”

“Ice Hockey in Australia is run by volunteers, and we have some very passionate and dedicated people on board to make sure the event is enjoyable for all.”

More than 600 athletes and officials from Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, South Australia, and Western Australia will make the trip over for the championships – which would do wonders in lifting the spirits for Docklands as it makes a slow comeback amid the pandemic.

In another big win for Docklands, Marvel Stadium will host the World Supercross Australian Grand Prix from October 21-22, which will feature 10 teams and 40 riders across the globe battling it out in intense racing, while live entertainment, freestyle motocross stunts, pyrotechnics, and more will be on offer.

For more on the Boat Show: melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au

For more on the Ice Hockey Championships: iha.org.au

For more on the World Supercross Aus GP: wsxchampionship.com

Caption: The DCC executive officer Shane Wylie, Ice Hockey Victoria’s president Maureen Black (photo 2), and The Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s chief executive Steve Walker (photo 3) are gearing up for an action packed Docklands weekend.