Could pets be welcome at Queensland sports stadiums?

A national sporting league’s dog-friendly game in Brisbane has sparked calls for more codes to embrace the concept - but should it be embraced? VOTE NOW IN OUR POLL

Brisbane Bandits Ryan Bollinger with Smudge at Viticon Stadium to promote 'Bark in the Park', Friday, January 3, 2025 - Picture: Richard Walker

A push is on for major Queensland stadiums to allow dogs to attend big sporting events, as one local team opens its gates to fans’ furry friends.

The Brisbane Bandits baseball team will on Sunday turn their home game against the Sydney Blue Sox at Viticon Stadium into a festival of four-legged furballs dubbed “Bark in the Park”.

Fans are encouraged to bring their pooches as part of a promotion to support the Animal Welfare League, with other codes and venues looking to follow suit.

A spokesperson for Stadiums Queensland, which operates venues including the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium and arenas on the Gold Coast and Townsville, said the current “terms and conditions of Stadiums Queensland venues “do not allow” for dogs other than service animals, but it is understood there could be scope for exceptions, depending on the proposal put forward.

While allowing pets into Suncorp Stadium during a sold-out State of Origin clash might raise more than a few logistical challenges, more intimate settings with smaller crowds or smaller venues would seem a match made in doggy heaven.

At least one Queensland Cup rugby league club is considering a similar promotion at future home games.

With its wide open spaces and boutique setting, Springfield’s Brighton Homes Arena would seem a perfect fit and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the concept had obvious merit.

“Our dogs are a part of the family and I think it’s a lovely idea to be able to take your pet with you while you support your favourite sporting team,” she said.

“I imagine Ipswich City Council would consider any proposal that comes forward from our Ipswich-based sporting clubs on having furry friendly sporting events, as long as they could maintain compliance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

“Having a dedicated pet section could also assist fans who want to cheer on their team without worrying about their snacks becoming a four-legged fan’s halftime treat.

“If it can happen in Brisbane, I can’t see why it couldn’t happen in Ipswich.”

Brisbane Bandits player Ryan Bollinger with Smudge at Viticon Stadium to promote the club’s 'Bark in the Park' home game on January 5. Picture: Richard Walker.

The Bandits first introduced the concept two years ago during the Australian Baseball League season and managing director David Stewart said it had been a huge success.

“We wanted to bring this experience to Australia and make it our own,” he said. “I’ve always believed sports have the power to bring people together, and with Bark in the Park, we’re not just playing baseball – we’re sharing the bond we have with animals and the importance of caring for them.”

Pet-friendly promotions are already successful in the US, where sporting giants such as the World Series champions LA Dodgers host “Pups in the Park” days.

Images of stands full of fans cuddling their fur babies during pro sports games in the US have gone viral on social media.

Animal Welfare League Queensland’s community engagement manager Kelly Malloy said the “bark in the park” initiative was “the perfect partnership for us”.