Suncorp Stadium emerges as possible Olympic swimming venue after NFL stadium’s transformation

Suncorp Stadium has emerged as a possible venue for the 2032 Olympic swimming events after an NFL stadium’s mind-blowing transformation. WATCH THE VIDEO

A drop-in pool is constructed inside Lucas Oil Stadium for the US Olympic swim team's trials. The stadium usually hosts NFL games. Picture: Supplied

Suncorp Stadium has emerged as a potential venue for the 2032 Olympic swimming events after an NFL stadium was transformed for this week’s US qualifiers.

A drop-in pool has been constructed at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, as the Americans select their swimming team for Paris.

A temporary grandstand splits the stadium in two, with a drop-in race pool on one side and warm-up pools on the other.

In 2032, swimming is slated for a drop-in pool at the newly-constructed Brisbane Arena, but the United States’ swimming trials has sparked a possibility about it being held in front of some 30,000 people at Suncorp Stadium.

One person familiar with Brisbane’s Games venue planning said a temporary pool at Suncorp Stadium “can certainly be done” – with a catch.

The playing surface likely to be needed for Rugby Sevens and football would probably be affected by the heavy demountable pool structure.

It’s also been questioned whether Games organisers would take the risk of temporary infrastructure on a venue like Suncorp Stadium, which is already booked to hold the opening and closing ceremonies and football finals.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace poured water on the idea.

“Swimming events for the 2032 Games are due to be held in a drop in pool at the new $2.5bn Brisbane Arena at Roma Street Parklands,” she said.

“With state-of-the-art facilities and technology, the Arena will provide Brisbane and Queensland with a world-class facility for premium live events that is highly accessible and well connected to all transport networks.”

Ms Grace noted the Brisbane Aquatic Centre at Chandler would host other aquatic sports including diving and water polo following a $42m upgrade.

Tenders are due to go to market in 2025.

The transformation of Lucas Oil Stadium into a venue for the US Olympic swim team's trials. Picture: Supplied

The Courier-Mail last month revealed a left-field idea from Los Angeles 2028 leaders to stage the swimming competition inside the same behemoth stadium that has been used to stage the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift’s Era Tour concerts.

According to highly-placed sources who were not authorised to speak publicly, SoFi Stadium will be the ultimate left-field venue for the Olympic swimming events in 2028.

With capacity for 70,000 people during NFL matches, choosing SoFi Stadium would likely be a game changer for Australia’s favourite Olympic sport.

It could prompt Brisbane 2032 organisers to ponder whether Suncorp Stadium should be transformed so a huge home crowd can cheer on the Australians in 2032.

Originally published as Suncorp Stadium emerges as possible Olympic swimming venue after NFL stadium’s transformation