Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will host Fan Land during the NRL’s Magic Round in May

As Star Entertainment fights for survival Queen's Wharf Brisbane will party on during the NRL’s Magic Round weekend with the city’s biggest outdoor sports screen.

An artists's impression of Fan Land at Queen's Wharf.

As Star Entertainment fights for survival, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is preparing to party.

They are hosting Fan Land – a free and vibrant hub where NRL fans can immerse themselves in the Magic Round weekend.

Over May 1 to May 4 Fan Land, presented by Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in partnership with global experiential agency Rizer, will invite NRL fans to watch every Magic Round game on Brisbane’s biggest outdoor sports screen – a 9m x 5m, 350-inch LED monster.

On tap will also be a diverse line-up of interactive games, entertainment, DJs, iconic commentators and footy legends like Willie Mason and Justin Horo while Matty, Trish, Jack and Cooper Johns will be on site for a special recording of The Johns Family Podcast – Live Edition.

Willie Mason will be a guest at Fan Land at Queen’s Wharf during Magic Round.

Social media sensations and twin brothers Archie and Miles Shepherd — better known as The Shepmates — will kick off festivities on Thursday May 1.

The event will be complemented by food and drink options, jam-packed entertainment schedules consisting of roving performers, interactive experiences in an open-aired bazaar and even an interactive tryline, all designed to enhance the Magic Round experience.

The Star Brisbane chief executive Daniel Finch says the precinct will revolutionise the way the city experiences sport. with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.

“Fan Land is a first-of-its-kind experience and is set to transform the way our Olympic city enjoys and creates connections through sport,” Finch says.

“The event is one of the many ways we want to support Brisbane and interstate sports fans to get close to the Magic Round action without being at the games.”

Barry Wafer, founder and chief executive of event and experiential agency Rizer Global, said Fan Land will be an immersive live spectacle where the energy of sport collides with the magic of performance.

“Fan Land will transform the Level 7 Leisure Deck into a vibrant arena of dynamic entertainment, interactive experiences, and unforgettable ‘up-close’ moments with surprise special guests,” he says.

“Unlike a sports bar or stadium seat, this is where you’re truly in the heart of the action.”

Active life

The new general manager of functional fitness franchise Fitstop practices what she preaches.

Stefanie Nicholson, who joined the Brisbane-founded brand earlier this year, regularly competes in ironman events.

For the record she bikes eight to nine hours a week and clocks up about 260km; runs about 50km to 60k a week; and swims two to three hours. Nicholson also chips in with two strength sessions a week as well.

The former head of marketing at Lift Brands Asia Pacific has more than 20 years in the fitness industry and says that being an aspiring female athlete and leader requires consistency, discipline, and patience.

“Success lies in trusting the process, setting the right surroundings, and preparing for life’s uncontrollables,” she reckons.

“It’s about showing up every day, embracing the challenges, and staying focused on your goals. Just as important is having the right support network — a team of people who uplift, guide, and inspire you to push beyond limits”.

Founded by Peter Hull in 2013 in a tin shed in Brisbane the company has grown to more than 150 locations globally.

Stefanie Nicholson, the new General Manager at Fitstop.

Originally published as Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will host Fan Land during the NRL’s Magic Round in May