Community overwhelmingly supports more concerts at Suncorp Stadium

• The results of public consultation on a permanent increase of up to 12 concerts per year at Suncorp Stadium have been released
• More than 81 per cent of respondents agreed with an increase in the number on concerts annually  
• Positive feedback focussed on Brisbane’s reputation for world-class entertainment and economic benefits

The community has had its say on whether Suncorp Stadium should permanently be able to hold up to 12 concerts per year.

The current cap was temporarily lifted from up to six concerts to up to 12 concerts per calendar year for 2023 and 2024, to capitalise on post-COVID 19 enthusiasm from concert promoters.

Public consultation was open from 16 February to 12 March 2024.

More than 81 per cent of all respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that Suncorp Stadium should be permitted to hold up to 12 concerts per calendar year.

This included more than 75 per cent of respondents who live within the Lang Park Traffic Area agreeing or strongly agreeing.

The community was also asked to provide feedback on changing the definition of a ‘major sport event’ from a crowd size of greater than 35,000 to greater than 45,000.

The stadium has a cap on major sport events of 24 per year.

More than 84 per cent of all respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that Suncorp Stadium should be permitted to hold up to 24 major sport events per calendar year defined as a national or international sport event that has a crowd size greater than 45,000.

Consultation was similarly held on proposed changes to concert regulations for the Gold Coast’s People First Stadium (formally Heritage Bank Stadium) and Cbus Super Stadium.

More than 77 per cent of responses favoured a 10.30pm curfew for concert performances at People First Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium consistent with the curfew for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The majority, more than 85 per cent, agreed or strongly agreed that People First Stadium should be permitted to host concerts until 10.30pm instead of 10pm.

More than 83 per cent of all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Cbus Super Stadium should be permitted to hold concerts until 10.30pm – 80.6 per cent of those live either in or within the vicinity of the stadium’s controlled traffic area.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy:

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say on proposed changes to legislation surrounding events at Suncorp Stadium, People First Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium.

“These world-class stadia attract world-class performers and events.

“They play a vitally important role in Queensland’s sporting and cultural landscape, as well as growing tourism, so it’s important that we appropriately maximise their potential.

“The government will now consider all of the feedback and weigh up potential economic benefits as well as community impact, before making any decisions about possible legislative amendments.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cooper Jonty Bush MP:

“It’s fantastic having a world-class stadium in our own backyard and having world-class performers entertaining huge crowds here.

“The support from the community to permanently increase the concert cap has been overwhelming, particularly with more than 75 per cent of those living close to the stadium in favour.

I’m also pleased the proposal of a series of concerts by a single performer to be counted as one concert won’t be going ahead.

“This allows the local community to have greater certainty in relation to the maximum number of actual concerts that will be happening close to home.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit their feedback during the consultation period.”

Quotes attributable to Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham:

“The Community has voted – Suncorp Stadium with its intimate seating and accessibility is the City’s favourite for fans to savour major concerts and premium sporting events.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation of our locals when big events happen and will continue to apply measures to minimise any impact on our neighbours.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan:

“Queensland is the home of blockbuster events, and we are excited to harness the opportunities that will come from increased concerts at Suncorp stadium.

“We have our target set to reach a $2 billion events calendar by 2032 so more opportunities to host major events at Suncorp Stadium is welcomed by our industry.

“Suncorp Stadium is coming off a record year and those visitors stay in hotels, eat, drink, shop and enjoy our tourism experiences and attractions.

“Events give people even more reason to visit our state, driving urgency and filling room nights in low and shoulder seasons – so it’s a win for us!”

To review the results of the public consultation, visit:

https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/sport/sport-initiatives/proposed-regulation-changes-gold-coast-stadiums

https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/sport/sport-initiatives/proposed-regulation-changes-suncorp-stadium

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091