Calls for Suncorp Stadium upgrade ahead of major events
There have been calls to upgrade Brisbane’s iconic Suncorp Stadium, with the venue set to host the Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games.
Australia is set to host several global sporting events over the next decade, and business leaders are calling for the Queensland Government to investigate major upgrades to the 52,500-seat stadium.
The last major redevelopment of the rectangular stadium was completed in 2003, converting the old Lang Park into what was at the time considered a state-of-the-art stadium and widely regarded as Australia’s best rectangular sports venue.
The Queensland Government has already committed to a $1 billion rebuild of the Gabba, which will serve as the main venue of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, hosting the ceremonies, plus the track and field events.
Australia is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2029 and World Rugby has a minimum 60,000-seat requirement for a stadium to host the final for the world’s third largest sporting event.
AGM Global Asia Pacific chief executive Harvey Lister said the government would need to carefully consider the benefits of upgrading Suncorp Stadium.
“There are some major events coming up – governments would be looking at what upgrades could happen and to time them in advance of those events,” he said.
“Generally, Suncorp Stadium is in great shape and would handle the Olympic requirement well.
Mr Lister said seat upgrades and aesthetic improvements could be done and anticipated new technology upgrades, such as ordering food and drink from a seat, could be installed over the next decade, however increasing its capacity within the existing footprint and adding a retractable roof would be costly.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe poured cold water on the idea, revealing any redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium was “not under consideration” before the $1 billion redevelopment of the Gabba.
“The IOC has seen many stadiums around the world and noted it was rare to find a venue like Suncorp Stadium that’s immediately capable of meeting the high standard required to host Olympic competition,” he said.
