More music for Suncorp Stadium

Suncorp Stadium’s concert cap will temporarily increase from six to 12 major events per year to enhance Queensland’s great lifestyle and support local jobs.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new concert cap would apply for 2023 and 2024.

“We’re seeing a stream of major international music acts putting together plans to get back on the road with world stadium tours after Covid,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Right now, Suncorp Stadium -with its central location, capacity and public transport capability – is highly sought-after by promoters bringing music events to Australia.

“Whether it’s Ed Sheeran or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, major concerts bring visitors who spend millions of dollars in the tourism economy and support local jobs.  

“Five concert events are already locked in for Suncorp Stadium in the first two months of 2023.

“That leaves one more show for the rest of the year under the current six concert cap and several overseas acts scrambling to finalise dates.

“We’ve asked Queenslanders to have their say on lifting the concert cap from six to 12 a year for 2023 and 2024 and found strong support for more music at Suncorp Stadium.”

Feedback was sought on the Get Involved website from 12 September to 24 October and attracted 236 responses.

More than three quarters or 78 per cent of respondents supported a temporary increase in the concert cap including 168 local residents and businesses in the Lang Park Traffic Area.

“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,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“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.” 

Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham welcomed the concert cap increase to 12 shows for the next two years.

“The news is a real boost for the entertainment industry which has essentially been forced into hibernation by COVID,” Mr Graham said.

“We have always shown the utmost respect to the local community in our management of the Stadium and in particular around concerts, and we will continue to do so in the future.”

Acts already booked for Suncorp Stadium before the end of February 2023 include Elton John (21 January), Red Hot Chilli Peppers (29 January) and three Ed Sheeran dates (17-19 February).

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