Gold Coast stadium formerly known as Heritage Bank Stadium changed to People First Stadium

With a sellout crowd, the Gold Coast Suns have poised People First Stadium for a perfect start to their 2024 mission.

The Gold Coast Suns want ‘the people’s stadium’ to become the most feared home ground in the AFL.

And a sellout crowd for the club’s newly rebranded stadium has the Suns poised to make it a perfect start to their mission in 2024.

Over 22,000 people will attend People First Stadium, formerly known as Heritage Bank Stadium, for Gold Coast’s opening game against Richmond.

It looms as a tantalising clash with new Suns coach Damien Hardwick taking on the team he guided to three premierships.

“(A) sellout crowd at People First Stadium is incredible and that’s something we want to be about as a football club,” Hardwick said.

Suns head coach Damien Hardwick. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I look at all the great sides throughout the world and they all have great stadiums and we’re no different.

“What we want to do is fill it with Gold Coast fans rather than opposition fans.

“To do that, we’ve got to fulfil our end of the bargain and win some games of footy and that starts this weekend. That’s on us as a footy club and we understand that.

“We want to make People First Stadium a venue where opposition sides are scared before they even come here.

The Gold Coast Suns renamed AFL home ground, People First Stadium. Picture: Supplied by Gold Coast Suns.

“‘Oh, we’re going into the Suns’ environment, it’s going to be a tough day’.”

If every member turns up the Suns game could hit 24,000 spectators.

Last year’s round 16 clash with Collingwood at Carara had 22,483 in attendance.

Suns CEO Mark Evans said the response to the Opening Round fixture, aimed at the non-traditional AFL states, bolstered the club’s chances of securing a crucial win in a season where finals are the goal.

“What better way to start the 2024 AFL season on the Gold Coast, than with a sellout crowd at our newly renamed People First Stadium,” Evans said.

Head Coach Damien Hardwick speaks to players during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at the formely known Heritage Bank Stadium on November 27, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“We’re rapt to be able to introduce the People First Bank brand to the Coast community. The Gold Coast’s biggest community asset will now be known to its residents by a brand that strives to put their People First.”

“Opening Round has been introduced to give football fans in Queensland the opportunity to watch their favourite team on the biggest stage and the Gold Coast has spoken by filling the stadium.

“We just want everyone to come out in their red and gold and cheer loud for their team and get their team across the line, win and take home the four points on Saturday afternoon.”

Skydivers will bring the match ball into the stadium at 2.50pm, with gates opening at 1.15pm.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Gold Coast stadium formerly known as Heritage Bank Stadium changed to People First Stadium