THE Asian Cup football tournament will soon be on the Port's doorstep so it was only fitting the grand prize, the trophy, made a visit to the area ahead of the grand event.
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Newcastle is set to host four matches during the Asian Cup, the second oldest continental football championship in the world, which will kick off on January 9.
As part of a travelling roadshow to spark interest and support in the international event, the Asian Cup made a pit stop in Port Stephens on October 8.
Junior football players from Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Nelson Bay were given the chance to view the trophy and hear from Michael Brown, Football Federation Australia's chief executive officer of the local organising committee for the Asian Cup.
"If this event was going to be successful, we have to take the opportunity to get out to regions like this," Mr Brown said.
It is hoped Port Stephens will feel the flow-on effect from the tournament by way of tourism.
Marketing is under way to have snippets of Port Stephens life broadcast during the tournament.
The aim is to attract fans who travel to Newcastle for the tournament to extend their stay and explore the Hunter, including Port Stephens, but to appeal to non-travelling fans as well.
Videos of the Port will be shown during the tournament are expected to be broadcast to 200 countries and reach a mass audience of 2.5 billion people.
"This tournament will boost tourism and the economy in the Hunter long after it comes to an end," Port Stephens mayor Bruce MacKenzie said.
The first game to be played at Newcastle Stadium will be on January 12 between Japan and Palestine. It is expected the Socceroos will play in Newcastle in the playoffs on January 30.