The booming success of the Sydney 7s will see the city pocket a Aust$7 million (FJ$11m) windfall and the Australian Rugby Union have plans to use the tournament to inspire a golden new generation of Aussie rugby stars as well.

Allianz Stadium was awash with colour and atmosphere yesterfay as a sold-out crowd embraced the inaugural event and the fancy dress party theme. The second day is also sold out.

Tickets were exhausted weeks ago and that huge demand surprised both the ARU and the public. Many fans were caught unawares and missed the boat. The ARU established a waiting list and those on it they’ll get in next year.

“We were getting requests all over the place from people wanting tickets,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said.

“Sadly we were just flush out of tickets.”

The ARU weren’t the only ones happy to see the “house full” sign at Allianz Stadium.

Destination NSW, who backed the event to promote tourism to the State, said more than 20,000 spectators for the two days were visitors.

NSW Trade, Tourism and Major Events Minister Stuart Ayres said: “We estimate the event is going to generate a visitor spend of $7 million.”

The only downside was the fact the facilities appeared to struggle with the crowd. Beer queues snaked back a long way.

The ARU are also keen to use it — and the return of sevens to the Olympics later this year — as a platform to drive rugby participation among kids.