The Gold Coast was a sea of sequins, glitter, and bows as more than 11,500 of the country’s top cheer and dance athletes, and 40,000 spectators, descended on the city for the All Star Nationals from 24-27 November.
With 2000 teams competing over four days, the 2022 Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) All Star Nationals is one of the biggest mass participation events the city has hosted. Along with the 11,500 competitors the event attracts up to 40,000 spectators.
“The All Star Nationals is an incredible event, not just for the scale of the event itself, with a routine every three minutes from 8am-11pm every day, but for the significant boost it provides to our local economy, which we estimate will be more than $10M” said Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick.
“This is the first time since 2018 the event has been back on the Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast is proud to have been able to attract this fantastic national competition back to the Gold Coast and support these talented athletes.”
AASCF Managing Director Kerry Perry said they were thrilled to back on the Gold Coast. “The last time we brought the AASCF Nationals to the Gold Coast was in 2018 so it’s really exciting to be back here,” said Ms Perry.
“This event takes an incredible amount of organisation, and space, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with its premier facilities is the perfect venue for this kind of elite competition. Plus the competitors and their families love coming here and combining the Nationals with a holiday in one of Australia’s best destinations.”
The AASCF Nationals is Australia’s largest cheer and dance event and continues to grow. Teams compete for the National Championship and the chance to go on to compete in the World Cheer and Dance Championships in Florida, USA.
“Right now, our city is alive with action from some of the biggest sports and events carnivals,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. “The All Star Nationals are top billing and I applaud organisers, Major Events Gold Coast, competitors and the 40,000 fanatics for making their way to the coast.”
The event proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast runs for four days but many interstate athletes and their families arrive early and then stay on after the competition to enjoy everything else the Gold Coast has to offer, with the average stay around six days.