NRL 2024: Magic Round to remain in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium until at least 2026

Brisbane has staved off poaching raids for the NRL’s premier event, with Magic Round to remain at Suncorp Stadium for the coming years.

Spectators watching a game at the stadium - NRL magic round Picture: TEQ

Magic Round is going nowhere with Queensland on the verge of an $80 million coup by securing the future of the NRL’s flagship event in Brisbane for at least another two years.

In a triumph for the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, this masthead can reveal the NRL will next week announce a multi-year extension to keep the biggest weekend of rugby league at Suncorp Stadium until at least 2026.

The fifth instalment of NRL Magic Round will begin on Friday and is on track for three sold out days of action at Queensland’s premier sporting venue, injecting up to $40 million into the state’s economy.

Hotel occupancy has exceeded last year and a record crowd of about 150,000 is expected across the event as Queensland continues its strong support of Magic Round.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said Magic Round belonged in Brisbane.

“Magic Round is Brisbane’s biggest and best weekend so we will always fight to keep it here in Queensland,” he said.

“It’s my favourite time of year and great for local business, tourism operators, and fans of the game.”

Magic Round has been a success at Suncorp Stadium since 2019. Picture: TEQ

The current contract expires after this year’s Magic Round, but Queensland tourism and sports minister Michael Healy said the government wanted to secure the event’s future in Brisbane.

“Magic Round was born in Queensland and we have backed it from the start, recognising the vision to create the world’s largest rugby league festival in true rugby league heartland,” he said.

“The NRL Magic Round is a marquee event because it was made for Queensland and for its spiritual home, Suncorp Stadium, the best rectangular stadium in the world.

“We have always enjoyed a strong relationship with the NRL and we look forward to continuing discussions with them about the future of Magic Round.”

Last year’s Magic Round injected an estimated $30 million into the Queensland economy, but with hotels for the 2024 edition already tracking at higher occupancies the true value of this year’s event could be close to $40 million.

Magic Round brought 30,000 visitors to Brisbane last year and that number is on track to be surpassed next weekend.

The success of Magic Round since its launch in 2019 has not gone unnoticed by rival states who have attempted to poach the event.

The eight-match extravaganza has attracted interest from the likes of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with suggestions it could even head to Auckland.

The AFL has also copied Magic Round with its own version – Gather Round – in Adelaide over the past two years.

But the Queensland Government and BCC has staved off rival bids and the introduction of the first game of the 2024 women’s State of Origin series on Thursday night at Suncorp has further boosted the event.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Magic Round showcases Brisbane as an unparalleled destination for major sporting events.

“NRL Magic Round is a beloved homegrown event that attracts sporting fans from across the country for an unmissable festival of footy like no other,” he said.

“Suncorp Stadium and surrounding streets come alive with excitement, offering locals and visitors an exceptional spectator experience in rugby league’s spiritual homeland.

“Magic Round is so important to our city, and we are proud to support this event in Brisbane as it brings sellout crowds that will fill our hotels, dine in our restaurants and enjoy our tourism experiences, delivering millions in economic benefit to Brisbane.”

The 2020 Magic Round was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic before it relaunched in 2021 with 130,019 fans attending as interstate and international travel remained problematic.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is a huge fan of Magic Round in Queensland. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

It has grown every year since, with 147,105 coming through the gates last year at an average of 49,035 a day, just short of Suncorp’s 52,000-seat capacity.

The NRL is hoping to crack the 150,000 barrier this year with only limited tickets remaining.

“Magic Round continues to grow every year,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“Three-day passes sold out in record time, and single-day passes are now down to single seats remaining, so we’re literally down to the last few tickets.

“It’s a massive weekend for fans and families and has become the most popular weekend for travellers.

“More than 42 per cent of all tickets sold are for interstate or international travellers, which adds a huge amount to the Brisbane economy.

“This year the first Women’s State of Origin match will take place on the Thursday night prior to the Premiership matches.

“It will be our biggest and best Magic Round yet.”