Asia

Suncorp Stadium cleared to stage more concerts

Featured image credit: Carles Rabada on Unsplash

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has been given the green light to double the number of concerts held at the venue in 2023 and 2024.

The stadium’s concert cap will temporarily increase from six to 12, with the Queensland government stating that the move is designed to enhance the state’s lifestyle and support local jobs.

Feedback was sought on the Get Involved website from September 12 to October 24 and attracted 236 responses. More than three quarters of respondents supported a temporary increase in the concert cap, including 168 local residents and businesses in the Lang Park Traffic Area.

Suncorp Stadium has previously hosted concerts featuring the likes of Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Paul McCartney. Acts already booked before the end of February 2023 include Elton John, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Ed Sheeran.

Suncorp Stadium has a capacity of 52,500 and hosts rugby league, rugby union and football matches. In 2023, it will stage eight matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Australia will co-host with New Zealand.

Stirling Hinchcliffe, Tourism and Sport Minister for Queensland, said: “We’re not looking to turn Suncorp Stadium into a permanent concert venue, its primary purpose as a world-class rectangular stadium for three football codes won’t change. 

“Stadiums Queensland will work closely with the stadium operator, promoters and Brisbane City Council to minimise inconvenience to local residents and businesses. This is a temporary easing of the concert cap in response to extraordinary post-COVID demand for Suncorp Stadium dates by some of the world’s biggest music acts.

“These are high-quality events that will support the sustained recovery of our visitor economy from accommodation and hospitality to tourism operators.”

ASM Global was recently re-appointed as manager of Suncorp Stadium for a five-year period from January 1, 2023. ASM Global Asia Pacific has managed the venue since its redevelopment in 2003.

Brisbane will stage the 2032 summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Suncorp Stadium set to host rugby sevens and football matches.