Suncorp Stadium set for biggest upgrade since redevelopment

Suncorp Stadium is set to undergo the largest upgrade in its modern history, with the Queensland Government unveiling plans for a sweeping transformation of Brisbane’s iconic rectangular venue.

The project will deliver a range of new fan-focused features including an Australian-first wraparound LED ribbon board, upgraded scoreboards, standing terraces behind the goals and new entertainment areas designed to enhance the match-day experience, while capacity will be boosted to almost 54,000.

Often referred to as “The Cauldron” for its atmosphere during rugby league, rugby union and football matches, Suncorp Stadium has become one of Australia’s most successful sporting venues since reopening following its $280 million redevelopment in 2003.

The latest investment aims to ensure the venue remains at the forefront of major event hosting as Brisbane prepares for a decade of international sporting events leading into and beyond the 2032 Olympic Games.

Under the plans, a 360-degree LED ribbon board will be suspended from the roof around the entire stadium bowl, providing continuous match information, statistics and entertainment content. The venue will also receive supersized scoreboards and large media mesh screens at both ends of the stadium, described as an Australian first.

The mesh screens, each approximately the size of two tennis courts, will be capable of displaying graphics, video and event content visible both inside and outside the venue.

Capacity will also receive a modest boost through the introduction of new terraced viewing areas behind both goal ends, replacing the existing space occupied by the video screens, featuring a mix of standing and seating options.

Additional entertainment zones and safe-standing areas are planned throughout the stadium bowl and concourse.

Design work is already underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Premier David Crisafulli said the upgrades would help secure Suncorp Stadium’s future as one of the country’s leading sporting and entertainment venues.

“Suncorp Stadium belongs to Queenslanders, and we’re giving it the love it deserves so it’s up to scratch for a growing state,” Crisafulli said.

“We’re adding new video screens, more capacity, new bars and entertainment zones, so whether you’re here for Origin, the Rugby World Cup or major concerts, you’ll have an unforgettable experience for years to come.”

The works will be funded through the Queensland Government’s Legacy Fund, which is also supporting grassroots sporting infrastructure and upgrades across the state’s venue network.

The announcement comes during a significant period of investment in Queensland’s sporting infrastructure.

Work recently commenced on the proposed 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park, which is planned to host athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before becoming Brisbane’s main venue for major sport and entertainment.

While the new Brisbane Stadium will become the city’s largest venue, Suncorp Stadium will remain Queensland’s premier rectangular stadium and a key piece of the state’s sporting landscape.

The venue is already set to play a prominent role in the coming years, with Brisbane hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final, while continuing to attract major international concerts and events.

Since reopening in 2003, Suncorp Stadium has hosted more than 25 million patrons across almost 1,000 events. The venue is home to the Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins, Queensland Reds and Brisbane Roar, while also regularly staging State of Origin matches, international rugby, football internationals and some of the world’s biggest touring artists.

Recent years have seen Suncorp strengthen its standing as a global events venue. The stadium was recently recognised among the world’s top-performing concert venues by Billboard and won the 2026 Stadium Business Award for Event of the Year following its successful hosting of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Stadiums Queensland chief executive Todd Harris said now was the right time to invest in the venue’s future.

“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,” Harris said.

Brisbane Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy welcomed the announcement, describing the venue as the club’s spiritual home.

“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,” Donaghy said.

The project further strengthens Queensland’s growing portfolio of major venue developments, with upgrades and new facilities continuing to emerge as part of preparations for the state’s hosting of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Once complete, the Suncorp Stadium enhancements will ensure one of Australia’s most recognisable sporting venues remains among the country’s premier destinations for sport and entertainment well into the future.