Premier David Crisafulli has revealed – just hours before the Broncos stunning finals victory – that Suncorp Stadium will be completely transformed before the 2032 Games.
Chris Burns
Chris Burns
@bews_hound
2 min read
September 29, 2025 - 12:00AM
Suncorp Stadium will be transformed before the 2032 Games. Picture: Supplied
Suncorp Stadium will be transformed before the 2032 Games. Picture: Supplied
Suncorp Stadium will be upgraded to meet demand ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Premier David Crisafulli committing to the venue’s transformation.
The revelation – hours before the stadium hosted the blockbuster NRL preliminary final between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers on Sunday – paves the way for a “next generation” transformation, with operators Legends Global also flagging interest in splashing cash.
Mr Crisafulli said upgrades to Suncorp Stadium were a “very high” priority and evaluations were under way to consider further venue capacity.
“I’m not talking about just normal bare bones maintenance, I’m talking about a proper investment into the stadium,” Mr Crisafulli said.
L to R, Marley Tuitaupe from Coomera 13yrs a Panthers supporter with Halle Rose Hammond 13yrs from Oxenford a Broncos supporter, at Suncorp Stadium. Photo: Steve Pohlner.
L to R, Marley Tuitaupe from Coomera 13yrs a Panthers supporter with Halle Rose Hammond 13yrs from Oxenford a Broncos supporter, at Suncorp Stadium. Photo: Steve Pohlner.
The upgrades were necessary even without the Olympics, he said.
“Obviously, 2032 is the finish line, but the investment in Suncorp Stadium sooner than that makes a lot of sense because it’s a great venue, and it’s part of who we are as a state,” he said.
Demand for tickets to see the Broncos’ grand final qualifier revealed urgent need for expansion, with general ticket demand five times higher than the number of seats in the venue. Ticket sale figures showed footy fans trying to buy 250,000 tickets for the venue that seats only 52,500.
Mr Crisafulli said it was part of a plan to maximise current venues alongside a new stadium at Victoria Park.
“When the eyes of the world are on us, we have to make sure that not only there’s a new stadium that’s world-class, but our existing venues also have to be the best they can be,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Reece Walsh of the Broncos celebrates. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Reece Walsh of the Broncos celebrates. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I’ve said very clearly that I don’t think Suncorp at the moment is at the level it should be. But it’s not just capacity, it’s about standard, it’s about accessibility.”
Legends Global APAC chairman Harvey Lister said the stadium’s structure remained in good shape, but that it was ready to meet the “next generation” of design being rolled out across the world.
“We would imagine that a major upgrade would cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but investing in venue renovations that make commercial sense is something our organisation does around the world,” Mr Lister said.
“We will await to hear from government and Stadiums Queensland about what process they propose.”
Crowds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for game one of the State of Origin series. Picture: Dan Peled
Crowds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for game one of the State of Origin series. Picture: Dan Peled
It would be the first major refurbishment since 2003.
“We are encouraged that the Queensland government has been looking to the private sector for co-investment across the broad range of venues required to be built or upgraded in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Lister said.
Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin backed a stadium makeover.
“When you look at the demand for tickets in marquee events like State of Origin, NRL finals, rugby and soccer internationals, we know that extra capacity would make commercial sense … which is why I’m expecting multiple rectangular venues in Queensland to be the beneficiaries of legacy investment leading up to the Olympics, Suncorp Stadium included.”