Suncorp Stadium gigs set to double, prompting mayor’s call for boutique venue

The number of concerts allowed at Suncorp Stadium could double from six to 12 as the Queensland government looks to ease longstanding restrictions meant to limit disruption on the local community.

But the increased demand on Brisbane’s biggest stadium, with a second NRL side to play out of the Milton venue from next year, has prompted the Lord Mayor to add his voice to calls for a boutique rectangular stadium in the city.

The number of concerts allowed at Suncorp Stadium could double from six to 12.Credit: Harrison Saragossi

The Queensland government has launched an online survey to gauge whether people would accept a doubling of concerts at Suncorp Stadium “in 2023 and 2024 only”.

There are seven concerts scheduled for Suncorp Stadium within the next six months — Guns N’ Roses, Justin Bieber, Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ed Sheeran for three nights.

The number of concerts allowed at the venue in a year increased from four to six in 2015.

A spokesman for Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the increase had been proposed as a temporary measure, as major acts begin touring again after a pandemic-enforced hiatus.

“Many of the international music tours in planning now are scheduled for next year and 2024,” he said.

“...Each international concert event contributes millions of dollars to Brisbane’s visitor economy including accommodation, hospitality and transport providers, and local tourism operators.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said increasing the number of concerts seemed “like a good idea” but he was keen to hear more from the community on the issue.

“There may not be a need to make this change permanent once the new 17,000-seat arena is built in the inner city ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games,” he said, referring to the proposed Brisbane Live arena at Roma Street.

Suncorp Stadium’s congested concert schedule, with associated pitch damage from concerts on the field, have prevented Brisbane Roar returning full-time to its namesake city for the upcoming A-Leagues season.

Instead, they will play all but three of their matches at Moreton Daily Stadium at Redcliffe, about 30 kilometres north of Suncorp Stadium.

Adding to the congestion at the venue, the new Dolphins NRL team will play most of their matches at Suncorp from next year.

“The demand for Suncorp Stadium means there is a growing argument in favour of a boutique rectangular stadium in Brisbane,” Schrinner said.

“However, any such venue will need to be close to public transport.”

The Brisbane Strikers planned a 15,000-seat stadium at Perry Park, opposite Bowen Hills railway station.

But Hinchliffe’s spokesman said that was unlikely.

“Queensland’s 2018 Stadium Taskforce Report found there was no requirement to develop new stadiums because of existing capacity at Stadiums Queensland venues,” he said.

“...Moreton Daily Stadium has capacity to support the Roar and the Dolphins’ debut NRL season.”

The Stadium Taskforce Report also found the home of rugby union, Ballymore, did “not meet contemporary standards for access” with its limited public transport options and its location in a residential neighbourhood, and recommended its demolition.

Instead, the state government nominated Ballymore as its proposed venue for Olympic hockey competitions.