Push for new Ipswich stadium continues for Jets’ NRL bid
Ipswich is pushing for a 20,500-seat stadium near its CBD as a potential home of NRL expansion hopeful, Brisbane Jets.
As the club continues its bid to become the 17th team in the NRL, two updated concept plans have been released by the Ipswich City Council for a new stadium – one with a capacity of 12,000, and the other capable of hosting crowds of 20,500. Initial concept plans were first released in May 2019.
Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding said the plans could link Ipswich’s past as a rugby league stronghold with the future growth of the NRL.
“Our community is the historic and spiritual home of rugby league, and one of the nation’s leading producers of elite NRL talent,” Cr Harding said.
“It makes sense to invest in the social infrastructure that will support our growing population and provide a pathway for our region’s local playing talent.”
The $236 million North Ipswich stadium has not been given final approval, and $2.5 million for a detailed business case is still being sought from the Queensland and federal governments.
The Ipswich City Council has approved two concepts to update the existing North Ipswich Reserve, located near the David Trumpy Bridge in the middle of the Ipswich CBD. It’s believed the Council prefers the larger 20,500-seat option.
A business case evaluating both options is now being prepared to add to a formal submission for financial assistance.
Concept of the smaller 12,000-capacity stadium.
The Brisbane Jets bid is one of three vying to become Brisbane’s second team in the NRL, with the others being Redcliffe Dolphins and Brisbane Firehawks.
The Dolphins recently completed the third and final stage of their stadium redevelopment, with a northern grandstand increasing capacity at Moreton Daily Stadium to 11,500, including seating for 10,000. The club plans to share home games between Redcliffe and Suncorp Stadium. The Firehawks would play all their games at Suncorp, with their training base at Langlands Park.
An announcement on the successful bid is expected this month, with the team to join the competition in 2023. It’ll be the first time a team has entered the NRL since the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
