Darren Burden named as new general manager of Suncorp Stadium following departure of Alan Graham

The new general manager of Suncorp Stadium has been named as one of the key figures behind a brand new 50,000-seat South East Asia stadium with retractable roof, accommodation and shopping outlets.

The brand new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Picture: Supplied

Suncorp Stadium has appointed the head of the world-famous Kai Tak sports park in Hong Kong to replace outgoing general manager Alan Graham.

Mr Graham this month announced that he would be stepping down after a tenure stretching across more than two decades, sparking a worldwide search to find his replacement.

Legends ASM, which runs the hallowed stadium, on Wednesday announced Darren Burden as the new GM, with the expectation he will start his post after finishing up in Hong Kong later this year.

Mr Burden is currently Executive Director at the Kai Tak Sports Park, which opened in March introducing one of the newest world-class stadiums on the planet.

Kai Tak Sports Park is a 28-hectare development on the site of the former Hong Kong Downtown Airport and comprises a 50,000-seat stadium with retractable roof, a 10,000 capacity arena, athletics venue as well as accommodation and shopping outlets.

Mr Burden has also worked at sporting venues in New Zealand, Australia and the UK and Legends ASM boss Harvey Lister said he would bring a wealth of experience to the role guiding Queensland’s most revered stadium.

New Suncorp Stadium general manager Darren Burden.

Outgoing Suncorp Stadium boss Alan Graham. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“On a global scale, Suncorp Stadium is one of the busiest stadiums in the world regularly hosting 60 events a year of rectangular football, major stadium concerts and other spectaculars,” he said.

“Darren has successfully delivered the latest stadium in the world, in Hong Kong, and will now assume responsibility for what is universally recognised as the greatest rugby league stadium in the world, in Brisbane, and is looking forward his bringing his broad experience and innovative ideas to Queensland’s much-loved Suncorp Stadium.”

Originally from England, Mr Burden spent more than a decade in NZ before taking on a role involved with the redevelopment of Stadium Australia.

He has been based in Hong Kong for the past six years.

Mr Graham, 71, has called time on his career and will retire at the end of next month.