The thrill of Riverfire and the action of NRL club the Dolphins will merge for the first time to create one of the biggest spectacles of the year in Brisbane later this month.
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As well as heralding the opening weekend of Brisbane Festival, Riverfire will punctuate the much-anticipated NRL showdown between the Dolphins and Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on the same night.
A special one-off, three-minute pyrotechnics display will explode over the stadium when the siren sounds on full-time to ensure footy fans don’t miss out on the beloved annual extravaganza that will take place on Saturday August 31.
The Dolphins have collaborated with Brisbane Festival organisers to meld the excitement of Riverfire and the biggest NRL match of the year – the Battle for Brisbane between host team the Dolphins and the Broncos at their shared home ground.
Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader said the hometown showdown was always going to be explosive with the full-time fireworks display adding extra spark as Riverfire finishes on top of the stadium.
“The first time the Dolphins and Broncos played at Suncorp Stadium, 51,000 fans packed into the grounds and set a record for club football at the venue,” Mr Reader said.
“We are confident of another capacity crowd and are thrilled to offer our loyal fans even more reason to attend this blockbuster match with a three-minute, professionally choreographed fireworks display at full-time.”
The Dolphins have ensured fans will be warmed up by not only the game, with award-winning Australian band The Rubens to rock the crowd with a performance at halftime.
As one of Queensland’s most-attended annual celebrations, Riverfire is a free event that begins with entertainment and Australian Defence Force aerial displays from 4pm with the fireworks starting at 7pm.
The Dolphins-Broncos match is set to finish about 7.15pm, allowing the fireworks display to finish the Riverfire celebrations from the roof of Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said Riverfire marked a dazzling start to three weeks of art, dance, music, theatre, cabaret and celebration.
“Riverfire is arguably the biggest night of the year in Brisbane with up to 500,000 people lining the Brisbane River and inner-city vantage points to witness the spectacular and countless more tuning in at home via the Channel Nine simulcast,” Ms Bezzina said.
“I am delighted this year to extend the joy and wonder of Riverfire to football fans at Suncorp Stadium so no matter where you are in Brisbane, you can still enjoy this iconic celebration.”
