State of Origin Party Ideas: Host the Ultimate Blues vs Maroons Showdown

The State of Origin series isn't just three NRL games – it's a legendary battle between New South Wales and Queensland that brings out the East Coast passion. Whether you bleed blue for NSW or you're proud to cheer for Queensland's maroon, hosting a State of Origin party is the perfect way to gather all your friends for the big game and create memories that'll last well beyond Origin season.

At Shindigs, we've got you completely covered with our great range of Origin party supplies to help you throw the best State of Origin celebration Newcastle has ever seen. From blue streamers and balloons to maroon bunting and novelty glasses, our shop has everything you need to display your team pride and create the ultimate party atmosphere.

What is a State of Origin Party?

A state of origin party is a celebration held during the annual NRL State of Origin series, where friends, families, and neighbours gather to watch the big game. These parties are especially popular in Newcastle, where rugby league is part of the city’s identity.

Hosting an origin party is about more than just watching the match—it’s about sharing the excitement, showing off your team colours, and enjoying great food and company. Newcastle’s strong sense of community makes these gatherings even more special, with local venues and suppliers offering plenty of ways to add a local twist.

State of Origin Party Ideas & Themes

Make your origin party stand out from the crowd with creative themes that capture the excitement of this legendary sporting rivalry:

Team Rivalry Theme

Transform your entire space with blue or maroon decorations, and encourage all your friends to dress in their team's colours. This creates an instant visual impact and helps build the competitive atmosphere that makes origin parties so memorable.

Retro Footy Theme

Use vintage NRL memorabilia, classic team jerseys, and traditional footy snacks to create a nostalgic celebration of rugby league history. This theme works perfectly for mixed crowds where you have fans of different ages.

Backyard BBQ Theme

Fire up the grill and serve classic Australian favourites while watching the match outdoors. This relaxed approach lets everyone enjoy good food and great company in a casual setting.

Family-Friendly Theme

Set up games and activities for kids alongside the main event, ensuring younger fans can participate in the excitement of the origin season without getting overwhelmed by the intensity.

State of Origin Decorations: Transform Your Space

The right decorations can completely transform your venue and create an atmosphere that rivals any pub or club. Stock up on banners, balloons, tableware, and team flags that show your colours with pride.

Use your team colours strategically throughout the space – vibrant blue for New South Wales supporters or bold maroon for Queensland fans.

DIY Decoration Ideas

Get creative with budget-friendly DIY decor that adds personal touches to your celebration. Print custom banners and signs, create your own team-coloured bunting using fabric or paper, or design a photo wall with props that encourage guests to capture memories.

These handmade elements often become conversation starters and show the extra effort you've put into making the party special.

You can mix DIY elements with store-bought supplies to create a unique look that perfectly matches your vision and budget. The key is planning ahead so you have time to create these special touches without rushing.

State of Origin Food & Drink Ideas

No origin party is complete without classic footy food that keeps your guests satisfied throughout all the action. Serve traditional match-day favourites like meat pies, sausage rolls, and sliders alongside BBQ classics that capture the Australian spirit.

Add themed snacks like cupcakes decorated in team colours, impressive grazing platters, and signature cocktails in blue or maroon that tie into your party theme.

Local Takeaway Recommendations

Support local Newcastle businesses while keeping your catering stress-free for the big game. The city has some fantastic options that'll help you feed your crowd without spending hours in the kitchen when you'd rather be enjoying the match with all your friends.

Local pubs and clubs often offer party platters perfect for origin celebrations – contact your favourite venue to see what catering packages they have available. Many Newcastle establishments create special origin season menus that take the guesswork out of feeding a hungry crowd of footy fans.

Your local bakery can supply traditional meat pies in bulk – nothing beats the classic footy food that everyone expects at an origin party. Order a mix of flavours to keep everyone happy, and don't forget to grab some sausage rolls while you're there.

Newcastle's fish and chip shops make excellent party partners too. A selection of fresh seafood and crispy chips feeds a crowd easily and gives you that authentic Australian takeaway experience that pairs perfectly with watching the game.

Remember to place your order well in advance, especially during those crucial weeks of origin season when every Newcastle fan is planning their own celebration and demand reaches its peak.

Entertainment & Activities Beyond the Game

Keep your party atmosphere lively with engaging games and activities that complement the main event:

Footy Trivia: Test your guests' NRL knowledge with questions about origin history, famous players, and memorable moments from past series, like when there was an all out brawl.

Sweepstakes: Run friendly competitions for predictions like first try scorer, final score, or player of the match – small prizes make it even more exciting.

Best-Dressed Contest: Award prizes for the most creative team outfit, encouraging guests to really embrace their team spirit.

Kids' Activities: Set up craft stations, colouring areas, or simple games that keep younger guests entertained without disturbing the main viewing area.

Budget-Friendly State of Origin Party Tips

Save money without compromising on party quality:

• Buy Value Packs: Our bulk supplies and party packs from Shindigs offer significant savings compared to buying individual items.
• DIY Approach: Create your own menu and decorations using our supplies as the foundation – this personal touch often makes parties more memorable.
• Share Costs: Coordinate with friends to share expenses or host potluck-style gatherings where everyone contributes.
• Reusable Options: Choose reusable or recyclable tableware that reduces both environmental impact and ongoing costs for future celebrations.

Ready to Party?

Hosting a state of origin party is all about bringing people together for the biggest sporting rivalry in Australia. With proper planning, quality local suppliers, and creative party ideas, you'll create an unforgettable experience that all your friends will be talking about long after the final siren.

Visit Shindigs for all your State of Origin party supplies, browse our huge range of decorations and novelty items, and make this year's origin series absolutely legendary. Whether you bleed blue for New South Wales or you're backing Queensland's maroon, we've got everything you need to cheer your team to victory in style.