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The Queensland Government has announced the biggest upgrade to Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium since the venue opened more than two decades ago, with design work now under way on a transformation that includes an Australian-first 360-degree wraparound LED ribbon board and new entertainment precincts behind both goals.
Funded through the Queensland Government's Legacy Fund with what the state says requires no new or additional funding, the upgrade will feature media mesh screens at both ends of the stadium described as the size of two tennis courts, new terraced areas and entertainment zones, and a capacity increase.
The new terraced areas will sit behind the goals at both northern and southern ends, with both standing and seating capacity.
The government has previously indicated that the project will add more than 6,000 extra seats, expanding the stadium's capacity well beyond its current 52,500 limit.
Today's announcement sits alongside the Queensland Government's broader Destination 2045 tourism strategy, which aims to more than double visitor expenditure in Queensland to $84 billion over 20 years.
It also aligns with the confirmed 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup match schedule that will see Brisbane host 10 matches including quarterfinals.
“Suncorp Stadium belongs to Queenslanders, and we’re giving it the love it deserves so it’s up to scratch for a growing State,” says Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
“We’re adding new video screens, more capacity, new bars and entertainment zones, so whether you’re here for Origin, the Rugby World Cup, major concerts, you’ll have an unforgettable experience for years to come.”
Stadiums Queensland CEO Todd Harris says the investment will ensure the venue remains competitive on the national and international stage.
“Since its redevelopment, Suncorp Stadium has become the home of the Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins, Queensland Reds and Brisbane Roar, as well as a growing list of internationally significant events, and investment is key in ensuring it keeps pace with demand,” says Harris.
“This will further enhance the venue’s ability to host the world’s biggest events, and we are pleased to be working with the Queensland Government and other partners to deliver these works, as part of investment in the Stadiums Queensland portfolio.”
The Suncorp Stadium overhaul forms one pillar of Queensland's push to position itself as Australia's premier events and tourism destination in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Destination 2045 plan targets $84 billion in annual visitor expenditure, up from current levels, supported by major infrastructure and event investments across the state.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says the stadium upgrade reinforces Queensland's credentials as the nation's events capital.
“These upgrades will ensure it remains a fortress for our home teams and a magnet for some of the biggest events on the planet,” he says.
Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has welcomed the announcement, referencing halfback Adam Reynolds' call for stadium improvements during Brisbane's 2024 NRL Grand Final celebrations.
“Suncorp Stadium has been our spiritual home since our beginning, and we welcome this announcement by the Premier,” says Donaghy.
“Our position was made clear when Adam Reynolds spoke on Grand Final night last year - our members and fans and Queenslanders in general deserve a world-class game-day experience, and these upgrades will ensure Suncorp Stadium continues to provide amazing experiences for the next generation of fans and their families.
“I’m excited about what this will project will deliver for Broncos members, fans and of course, our athletes.”
Suncorp Stadium, which was originally established as Lang Park in 2014, officially opened in its current redeveloped form in June 2003 with its inaugural event a rugby league match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup schedule confirmed by World Rugby will bring 14 matches to Queensland, with 10 hosted at Suncorp Stadium and four at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The tournament is expected to generate an estimated $212 million in economic benefit for the state.
No total dollar cost for the Suncorp Stadium upgrade has been disclosed, but the Queensland Government says the Legacy Fund will cover the full cost without requiring additional funding allocations.
Construction is expected to commence late this year, with the upgrades set to be completed ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the broader pipeline of major events leading into the 2032 Olympics.
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