‘Start building’: Brisbane backs Crisafulli’s epic Suncorp Stadium vision

Brisbane has overwhelmingly backed an upgraded and expanded Suncorp Stadium after David Crisafulli declared his bold vision.

Suncorp Stadium will be transformed before the 2032 Games. Picture: Supplied

Super-sized Suncorp Stadium?

That question is being asked – and demanded – as Premier David Crisafulli committing to the venue’s transformation ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The revelation – hours before the stadium hosted the blockbuster NRL preliminary final between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers on Sunday – paves the way for a “next generation” transformation, with operators Legends Global also flagging interest in splashing cash.

Mr Crisafulli said upgrades to Suncorp Stadium were a “very high” priority and evaluations were under way to consider further venue capacity.

“I’m not talking about just normal bare bones main­tenance, I’m talking about a proper investment into the ­stadium,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Is Suncorp Stadium big enough?

The upgrades were necessary even without the Olympics, he said.

“Obviously, 2032 is the finish line, but the investment in Suncorp Stadium sooner than that makes a lot of sense because it’s a great venue, and it’s part of who we are as a state,” he said.

Demand for tickets to see the Broncos’ grand final qualifier revealed urgent need for expansion, with general ticket demand five times higher than the number of seats in the venue. Ticket sale figures showed footy fans trying to buy 250,000 tickets for the venue that seats only 52,500.

Legends Global APAC chairman Harvey Lister said the stadium’s structure remained in good shape, but that it was ready to meet the “next generation” of design being rolled out across the world.

It would be the first major ­refurbishment since 2003.

Fans were quick to pile into the debate, about 90 per cent of readers in an online poll voting to increase Suncorp to a capacity of more than 60,000.

However many others said the stadium is fine and getting tickets is as easy as becoming a Broncos member.

Some, though, backed the Premier to deliver, while many highlighted better ways to use the funds.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Go for it, Qld!

Paul

The premier is a person who has an incredible vision for queensland.

Bill

even his fiercest opponents couldn’t argue with the ‘fact’ that this project will pay for itself many times over

Mike

Stop the gabfest and start building.

Mick

This is the best thing I have heard from the LNP since they were elected. What also needs upgrading is the access from the CBD to Suncorp Stadium. No more having to close down roads so that spectators can get to the stadium. We need a dedicated walkway from Roma st up to Caxton st.

Barry T

But the Olympics fund a large amount of infrastructure that is left behind after the games. Without Expo 88, Southbank would still be a slum.

Blimey Charlie.

Having been to numerous rectangular stadiums around the world for a rectangular stadium 60.000 is the optimal size, once you get past that number your too far for the action, you end up having to watch the game on the big screen.

Chris

Lang Park needs to be upgraded to at least 75k. It’s the premier venue in QLD

Fans have packed Suncorp Stadium for recent finals. Picture: Steve Pohlner.

Simple solution

Graeme

Become a season member. Then you get access to your tickets first.

Kristine

Exactly this. I’m a member and had no issue buying our tickets ️. Can’t have a club of 50000+ then cry foul about not getting access to finals tix cos you are not a member.

Vicki

or maybe the members who had first access bought the available tickets first. Broncos have 60000 members…..suncorp holds 52500. I’m sure the Penrith members would have also been given priority tickets as well

steve

Leave it alone, heritage list it. as a lifelong season member and origin attender, please don't break the worlds best footy stadium.

Reece Walsh of the Broncos celebrates. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Bigger problems

Northern Light

Not the point and not “whingers”. I had no trouble getting grand final tickets for the Brisbane Roar finals not that many years ago. It’s Ticketek’s (and probably the NRL’s) fault. Complaining about an incompetent system is not whinging.

Edward

Fix our hospitals first please

David

Here we go again no money for hospitals and roads, but magically money is trying to be found for a game? Seriously this is probably needed, but there is so many more important builds far, far more needed.

Peter

Priorities are all wrong – there are major healthcare and other problems that urgently need fixing before Olympics rubbish.

Suncorp Stadium could be set for a facelift. Picture: Tara Croser.

I’m not sure

D

Wait till it’s built and finished before praising anyone.

Lisa

Having vision is one thing.

Having a plan for how we will fund the vision without saddling generations to come with unfair debt, and how we will actually resource building the vision is a very different thing.

PB

Building another 50,000 seat stadium at Victoria Park is another massive mistake, It should be at least 80,000 to compete with the other stadiums in the country and around the world.