Roar to return to Brisbane for season 2023/24
Brisbane Roar have announced their A-League Women’s team will play all home games at a redeveloped Ballymore Stadium from next season, while Suncorp Stadium will host A-League Men’s games.
The new McLean Stand at Ballymore is nearing completion as part of the first stage that, once completely redeveloped, will see a capacity of up to 15,000 within a boutique rectangular stadium.
The A-League club has played the majority of its home games at Kayo Stadium at Redcliffe, where average crowds have dipped below 5,000 this season, and say it’s pleased to return to its spiritual home of Suncorp Stadium, bringing their games back to Brisbane.
“We’re excited for the redevelopment of Ballymore, with the first stage completed in the coming month,” Brisbane Roar FC Chairman Christopher Fong said.
“Once completed, Ballymore will transform our game, giving supporters a closer seat to the action in an environment that creates a dynamic atmosphere in a family-centric, cost-effective venue. We’re excited to bring our games back to Brisbane, where we will remain.”
Rumours of the Roar’s return to Brisbane began last month, with three venue’s considered for the 2023/24 season.
The club played three home games at its spiritual home this season, with more than 12,063 spectators attending Monday’s round 25 clash against Sydney FC at Suncorp. Its women’s team has played most games at AJ Kelly Park and Perry Park this season.
As recently reported, Ballymore’s capacity will initially be restricted to around 8,000 when it reopens due to the closure of the old Eastern grandstand.
Preliminary conceptual designs released at the same time of Brisbane Roar’s announcement show a new two-tier Eastern grandstand to return the venue’s capacity to around 15,000.
QRU CEO David Hanham said, “This is an exciting day for the future of Ballymore with two great Queensland sporting organisations coming together.
“Having the Brisbane Roar A-League Women’s side here for every home match is a big milestone that ensures Ballymore becomes the new home of women’s rectangular sport.
“Our vision for Ballymore is for the iconic venue to be a multi-sport hub and Olympic precinct for the Brisbane 2032 Games as Brisbane’s Silicon Valley of Sport with the facility set to host a golden runway of major events in the next decade.
“Stage 1 of Ballymore’s redevelopment will be realised in a little over a month with the completion of the National Rugby Training Centre that will house the national women’s XV’s program – the Wallaroos, plus the Queensland Reds Super Rugby, Super W and Sevens squads, as well as the Reds Academy and elite pathway programs.
“Ballymore’s master plan will also see the facility become a centrepiece for the community with green spaces and bike paths, while a festival-type atmosphere will return to the venue on game-day with food trucks, music and activations around the precinct which the Roar will get to experience later this year,” said Hanham.
