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Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Feature Star-Studded Lineup in Milton

Ed Sheeran’s 2026 Loop Tour will bring a major stadium show to Milton, featuring performances by Australian acts Vance Joy, Mia Wray and Aaron Rowe.

Global Tour Returns to Australia and New Zealand

Global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is set to return to Australia and New Zealand in early 2026 for his all-new Loop Tour, following the release of his latest album Play. Presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live, the stadium series will run through January, February, and March, with stops including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will host the Brisbane leg of the tour, scheduled for 20–22 February 2026. The shows will feature Vance Joy, Mia Wray and Aaron Rowe as special guests.

Background on the Loop Tour

The Loop Tour continues Sheeran’s strong connection with Australian audiences, having sold more than 3.1 million tickets across the region throughout his career. The tour follows his record-breaking Mathematics Tour in 2023, where he played to over 200,000 fans in Melbourne.

Sheeran’s new live show is designed to highlight his trademark looping performances, combining intimate moments with large-scale production. The setlist will include songs from Play, featuring tracks such as Azizam, Sapphire and Old Phone.

Suncorp Stadium concert — Photo Credit: Ed Sheeran/Instagram

Supporting Acts Join the Milton Show

Australian chart-topper Vance Joy will perform at all stops across the tour. Known for his breakout hit Riptide and multiple platinum albums, he has become one of Australia’s most successful international artists.

Mia Wray, who earned an ARIA nomination for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award, will also perform across all Australian and New Zealand shows. Her debut album Hi, It’s Nice To Meet Me gained critical recognition earlier this year.

Irish acts Biird and Aaron Rowe will round out the lineup. Biird, an all-female Irish trad collective, will appear in New Zealand and Perth, while Rowe will perform in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Ticketing Details for Milton

Tickets for the Milton concerts at Suncorp Stadium are available through AXS, the authorised ticketing partner. Presales were offered to Suncorp Stadium members and local residents, with general sales now open.

Strict anti-scalping measures apply, and all tickets are digitally delivered via official channels. Fans are advised to purchase only through approved platforms listed on frontiertouring.com/edsheeran.

The Album Behind the Tour

Released in September 2025, Play marks a creative shift for Sheeran, drawing inspiration from Indian, Persian and Irish musical traditions. Produced with international collaborators, the album has been described as an explorative and colourful body of work showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Looking Ahead

With new material and a refreshed live format, Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is set to be one of the most anticipated concert series of 2026. Milton’s Suncorp Stadium is expected to welcome thousands of fans as Sheeran returns to Queensland with his signature looping performances and a strong Australian support lineup.

Updated 22-Nov-2025

Dopo Eatery Opens as Tognini’s Successor in Milton

Photo Credit: Dopo Eatery

Dopo Eatery has officially opened in Milton, marking the next chapter for the long-established Tognini family venue that previously operated as Tognini’s Café & Deli.

Background and Context in Milton

After operating for 32 years, Tognini’s Café & Deli closed earlier in the year due to a planned redevelopment at Milton Village on Baroona Road. The construction works prompted the Tognini family to reassess the venue’s future, leading to a rebrand that aligned with changing visitor preferences and the growth of younger residents moving into nearby apartments across Milton Road and Railway Terrace.

The transition to Dopo Eatery also responded to shifts in the retail landscape, including the rise of large supermarkets that affected traditional deli operations. The family retained their catering business while preparing a refreshed café concept for the former deli site.

A New Fit-Out and Direction

Dopo Eatery opened this month with a design developed alongside Blackbox Design Co. The interior features a lighter colour palette, sand-toned tiles, a curved terrazzo-style communal table, sconce lighting, and rattan furniture. The alfresco area at the front remains, though updated to suit the new layout. The redesign aims to retain familiarity for long-time customers while appealing to new visitors.

Although the venue has changed significantly, the Togninis continue to welcome guests on the floor, maintaining the longstanding community connection.

Updated Menu Offerings

The all-day breakfast and lunch menu was rebuilt to modernise classic dishes while retaining an Italian influence. Breakfast selections include items such as heirloom tomato bruschetta with pumpkin hummus, chilli scrambled eggs with ‘nduja and paprika oil, Turkish eggs, corn fritters, and a rich yolk omelette with saffron butter and comté cheese.

Lunch from 11:30 a.m. features starters, salads, and mains. Options include calamari fritti, cacio e pepe, crab-and-prawn ravioli, herb-crusted salmon, buttermilk chicken burgers, baby gem caesar salad with crispy prosciutto, and other dishes listed in the venue’s menu. A cabinet offers sandwiches, pastries, and salads for grab-and-go customers, continuing a small deli-style section with ready-made meals and provisions.

Tognini’s Café & Deli — Photo Credit: Dopo Eatery

Drinks include coffee supplied by QCMS, teas, shakes, and a concise wine range made up of Italian and Australian varieties, alongside a small selection of beers.

Community Sentiment Around Milton

Regulars who had visited the former deli for decades returned immediately upon reopening, with some customers revisiting the venue multiple times a day. Long-time patrons expressed relief at the reopening, while the refreshed menu and updated design were created to welcome new residents now living in surrounding developments.

Outlook

Dopo Eatery reflects the evolution of the precinct at Milton Village while maintaining the legacy built over three decades by the Tognini family. The updated menu, revised layout, and continued presence of the owners position the café to serve both returning diners and the next generation of locals. The venue is open seven days, with hours varying across weekdays and weekends.

Published 20-Nov-2025

Uncovering Clovelly: A Journey through Time in Auchenflower

Clovelly is an early 20th century example of Queensland architecture, located on a ridge in the southeastern part of Auchenflower. Here’s a brief exploration of its past, revealing the stories and lives of those who called it home and chronicling the social evolution of the area from the early 20th century to the present time.

Facing Jones Street and shadowed by Dart Street, this house on 29 Kellett St represented the quintessential upper-middle-class residence of its era.

It has 11-ft, pressed-metal ceilings, spacious rooms, and wide verandas that characterise the architecture of its time. Its location on an elevated lot offers a glimpse into the societal stratification of the times, when larger homes enjoyed breezier, more scenic locations.

Early Twentieth Century: Virgin Land and Visionary Owners

The story of Clovelly’s land traces back to 1904 when Simon Edwin Munro bought it. Mr Munro became a part-owner of several large pastoral holdings. He also served as a Director of the Brisbane Gas Co and Telegraph Newspaper, and was a member of various clubs, including the Royal Queensland Golf Club and the Queensland and Brisbane Clubs. He mostly lived in Clayfield.

Clovelly Simon Edwin Munro — *Photo Credit: Ehive*

In 1910, Mr Munro subdivided the Auchenflower site and it was Willie Lane who developed Clovelly rapidly. The subsequent ownership by John McEwan Skirving, a Tasmanian-born miner turned successful Queensland property developer heralds a significant chapter in Clovelly’s history with his transformation of the land into a residential haven.

Skirving’s past as a miner at Cape York’s China camp adds an element of mystery to Clovelly’s history. His entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated by his successful tin mining enterprises, enabled him to branch out into real estate development in Auchenflower.

Clovelly the Cape York Miner — Photo Credit: Mark Austin/LinkedIn

Skirving directed the building of Clovelly and other nearby homes during the early 1910s, a significant turning point in the suburb.

From Social Hub to Family Homestead: Clovelly’s Evolving Role

The subsequent ownerships of Clovelly paint a vivid picture of Brisbane’s social evolution. From the widow Jessie Martin, who brought her societal influence to the residence, to the Blair family, who turned Clovelly into a hub of social gatherings and family life, each era reflected the changing dynamics of the Auchenflower community.

After her husband Sidney Martin’s death, Jessie moved to this house in 1920 and transferred the name “Clovelly” from their previous residence in Clayfield to her new home in Auchenflower. There is no earlier recorded name for the house before Jessie named it Clovelly.

Clovelly Jessie Martin — *Photo Credit: John Oxley Library*

Meanwhile, Betty Blair, with her forty-year connection to Clovelly, holds the record for the longest association with the house. She raised two daughters and pursued a career in journalism.

Parties in Clovelly — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

The mid-1900s saw Clovelly experiencing periods of vacancy and change. The Blairs’ tenure until the 1950s, followed by a phase of being boarded up, symbolised the shifting tides of time. Despite these changes, Clovelly retained its architectural integrity, escaping modern alterations that could have stripped away its historical essence.

The Boarding House Era and Beyond

The 1960s brought a new chapter with the transformation of Clovelly into a boarding house for students, reflecting the growing cosmopolitan nature of Auchenflower. This period, marked by the stewardship of a family committed to education and cultural exchange, added another layer to the house’s rich tapestry of stories.

In recent decades, Clovelly witnessed significant restorations, lovingly undertaken by private families passionate about preserving its historical charm. These renovations, respectful of the house’s heritage, ensured that Clovelly remained a beacon of Brisbane’s architectural history, even as it adapted to contemporary living standards.

Today, Clovelly stands not just as a structure of bricks and mortar but as a living chronicle of the people, events, and transformations that have shaped Auchenflower.

Information for this piece come from Trove, eHive, and an in-depth exploration of the history of Clovelly appearing on House Histories. Check out The Clovelly Story for more interesting details.

Updated 16-November-2025

Brisbane Broncos Coach Michael Maguire Linked To England Rugby League Role Amid Growing Speculation

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos Fans 4Life/Facebook

Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has been linked to the England national rugby league head coaching job, with reports from Australia and the United Kingdom suggesting he has shown tentative interest if the position becomes available.

Rising Interest From Down Under

Reports from Australian outlets say Maguire has interest in the England job if the RFL moves on from Shaun Wane. No formal talks have been reported. The speculation grew after England’s 3–0 Ashes loss to Australia and the RFL’s post-series review.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos Fans 4Life/Facebook*

Wane stays in place during the review and debate continues about leadership before the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Maguire’s track record includes a Broncos premiership this year, leading New Zealand from 2018 to 2023, and guiding the New South Wales Blues to a 2024 State of Origin win.

A Familiar Face To English Fans

Maguire previously coached Wigan Warriors and won Super League honours, which raised his profile in England. His name draws attention among supporters who recall his successful spell with the club. Love Rugby League reports that Maguire will travel to the United Kingdom for a coaching development course.

He will use the trip to gather information before the Broncos’ World Club Challenge against Hull KR. The timing of this visit has fed speculation about potential contact with RFL officials. Reports add that whether Maguire would pursue the role remains uncertain, as his commitments to the Broncos are understood to take priority.

Wane Stands Firm Amid Criticism

Shaun Wane has stated he intends to continue leading England and said after the final Ashes match that he believes he remains the right person for the job. Senior players, including captain George Williams, have voiced their support for him despite the series loss.

All Out Rugby League reported that former player Bryan Fletcher believes Maguire’s move to England is unlikely because of the difficulty of managing both a club and national side. Fletcher said he doubted Brisbane would allow a dual-role arrangement, calling it unrealistic given the demands of the NRL season.

A Wait-And-See Situation For Fans

At this stage, the situation remains one of speculation. While Maguire’s record makes him a logical name to appear in discussions, there has been no confirmation from the Broncos or the RFL of any approach. England’s review process continues, and Wane remains in post while officials assess the program’s direction.

Any formal consideration of Maguire would depend on the review’s outcome and his own long-term plans with Brisbane. Fans and commentators in both Australia and England are following the story closely to see whether Maguire will be formally linked to the England role in the coming months.

Published 11-November-2025

Moorlands: The Sad History of An Alleged Murderer’s House

Sitting in the Wesley Hospital complex in Auchenflower, Moorlands once belonged to Mary Mayne, the widow of Patrick Mayne, a prominent Brisbane resident who allegedly confessed to murder on his deathbed.

Following her husband’s death, Mary bought the Moorlands estate from John Markwell in the 1870s and moved in with her four children: James, William, Isaac and Mary Emelia. Her fifth and youngest child joined the Sisters of Mercy.

However, because of her husband’s reputation, neighbourhood kids were instructed to avoid walking past the Moorlands. The Maynes were essentially isolated from their community.

What Did Patrick Mayne Do?

Patrick Mayne, originally from Ireland, migrated to Brisbane in the 1840s. He found work as a slaughterman but eventually established his own butcher shop. His business became a success, making Patrick one of the richest men in the city. In 1859, Patrick became an alderman at Brisbane’s first council.

However, Patrick died of an unknown illness in 1865. In the book, “The Mayne Inheritance,” he allegedly made a confession on his deathbed to murdering a man in Kangaroo Point in his early years in Brisbane because of a large amount of money.

Rebuilding the Moorlands

In 1892, the family redeveloped the existing timber residence with this magnificent home designed by Richard Gailey and built by Arthur Smith. It was understood that the Maynes kept a time capsule underneath the house’s foundation stone that contained newspaper clippings and the reason for rebuilding the house.

Moorlands in the 1920s — Moorlands 1971
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

After their mother’s death in 1889, the children continued to live in the Moorlands and focused on atoning for their father’s crime. None of them had children to pass on to the family’s future generation.

James became a doctor and the superintendent at the Brisbane General Hospital (now Royal Brisbane Hospital). Mary donated to churches and causes while Isaac descended into a state of madness and lived in one of the boarded-up rooms until he was moved into an asylum after he was linked to the killing of a Japanese man at Milton Station.

Eventually, James and Mary decided to bequeath the Moorlands to the University of Queensland, but she was allowed to live in the house until her final days. During World War II, the Moorlands was occupied by the U.S. Army. After the war, it was made into a home for orphaned children.

In the 1970s, the Uniting Church bought the property and built the Wesley Hospital compound. The heritage-listed house became the administration’s building.

No Compelling Evidence?

Since the publication of “The Mayne Inheritance,” arguments debunking the allegations of murder and questioning the validity of the claim of a deathbed confession in the book have been posited, specifically pointing out the absence of both direct or circumstantial evidence of murder.

All of these add to the irresistible story about Moorlands and the Mayne family history.

Published 9-November-2025

Now Open: Coles Local Milton Village

Coles Local Milton Village is now open. It’s a cacophony of colourful murals depicting scenes of the local area, an introduction of 750 “local” products, a new underground car park, and a first-floor venue for the local dance academy.

The Coles Local brand is relatively new, though Coles Local Milton is now the 32nd across Australia, according to Gemma Koo, Head of Coles Local.

The store will stock several products that are fairly unique in Coles stores, including:

A self-serve coffee machine
An orange juice station
Wimmers Soft Drinks from Noosa
Koko Black’s finest chocolates

Cheeky Poke Bowls

My Muscle Chef

Brubecks Boutique Foods ready-made meals

The store opening had a strong feel of camaraderie amongst the construction team, fit out and the new store staff. The opening ceremony conducted by MP Jonty Bush reflected a local excitement that the precinct and residents would benefit from the substantial investment, though there is still some local pushback within the community.

The murals that decorate the vast walls of the store, are quite stunning. Artist Mel Baxter has done an amazing job of covering many local iconic images from the XXXX Brewery to the Eiffel Tower, references to the Frew Park tennis history, and the former cemetary/world-class stadium down the road.

Mel lived in Milton in her ’20s and the Coles Local wall has a section where she talks about cheering on her band-mates on a Tuesday night at the Alley Bar, and walking home with a belly full of cheese and beer from Scratch.

The Milton Village precinct has never looked better and the new footfall will undoubtedly help the other retailers. A new underground carpark with two hours free parking, accessible from Wight Street just around the corner from Baroona Rd, offers parking for 77 cars and five motorcycles. The entrance could easily be missed and it remains to be seen if this is adequate for peak shopping times.

Street parking and Milton Village parking are already under stress and it’s reasonable to assume tailbacks on Baroona Road may become common.

Many locals lament the loss of the old IGA, which had been part of the local furniture for many years. Coles at Toowong, Woolworths at Paddington, Coles at the Barracks have been drawing from Milton and surrounds for some time, as the population density increases in the area, so does demand for groceries.

“With most of our 60 team members being from the local area, we are really excited to get involved in the community and support local initiatives. This store is as much about community as it is about convenience,” said the new store manager, Kurt Whittington.

Coles’ local community partnerships have also grown to become fundamental to many organisations. Toowong Football Club was presented with a $3,000 cheque, and SecondBite a $1,000 cheque, as part of its local community support.

A major winner from the new development is the Premier Dance Academy, who have moved their location from one end of the precinct to the opposite end, being housed on the first floor above Coles Local.

Photo Credit: Premier Dance Milton/Facebook

Check for updated business hours here.

Queensland Police Pipes and Drums to Light Up Suncorp Stadium at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums (QPP&D) will perform at Suncorp Stadium from 12 to 15 February 2026 as part of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th Anniversary Show, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’.

Read: Broncos Aim to Rebuild Trust as Warriors Return to Suncorp

The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums have been selected to take part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the world’s most prestigious military and cultural events. The Tattoo, which features marching bands, drummers, dancers, and precision routines, will make its Brisbane debut before moving to Auckland later in February.

Acting Senior Sergeant Lisa Phillis-Petersen, Officer in Charge of QPP&D, said the invitation was “an incredible honour and a moment of pride” for the band. Preparations for the event have already begun, following the band’s recent performances at ceremonies such as National Police Remembrance Day.

Earlier this month, the band performed at Southbank, giving morning commuters a glimpse of their pipes and drums. The performance previewed the energy and precision that QPP&D will bring to the Suncorp Stadium stage next year.

The February performances form part of the Tattoo’s 75th Anniversary Show, themed ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’. The show brings together performers from around the world, combining military music, dance, and ceremonial displays. For QPP&D, the invitation represents a first opportunity to perform at this internationally recognised event while showcasing the musical traditions of the Queensland Police Service.

Read: Why a Bigger Suncorp Stadium Could Be a Win for Brisbane

After Brisbane, the Tattoo will continue to Auckland, where QPP&D will again perform at Eden Park from 19 to 21 February 2026. The event marks a significant milestone for both the band and the Tattoo, highlighting Queensland’s participation in a globally celebrated cultural and military showcase.

Published 14-October-2025

Samoa Storm Past Tonga in Lightning-delayed Pacific Cup Clash at Suncorp

A 90-minute lightning delay couldn’t stop Toa Samoa from producing a dominant 34–6 victory over Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, securing their place in the Pacific Cup final and breaking a three-year Test win drought before more than 44,000 fans in Brisbane.

Highlights of the match

In one of the most dramatic contests of the 2025 Pacific Championships, play was halted in the 60th minute with Samoa leading 16–0 when lightning struck near the ground. Once the storm passed, Samoa quickly reasserted control, running in three more tries to close out a statement win that reaffirmed their standing among the Pacific heavyweights. The result means Tonga must now beat New Zealand by at least 17 points next week to reach the November 9 final.

Samoa’s victory was anchored by a relentless forward effort and the return to form of Jeremiah Nanai, who scored twice and was named best on ground. Payne Haas impressed on home turf, finishing with a try, seven tackle busts and 180 running metres according to NRL match stats, while Junior Paulo led with bruising defence, highlighted by a heavy hit on Soni Luke that drew cheers from the crowd.

Tonga struggled to find rhythm throughout, with handling errors and disciplined Samoan defence repeatedly stalling their attack. They were also left frustrated by a pair of contentious moments — a high shot by Francis Molo on Stefano Utoikamanu, who failed a Category 1 HIA, and a potential obstruction incident involving Roger Tuivasa-Sheck before halftime that went unpunished.

How it unfolded

Samoa started with purpose, setting the tone through bone-rattling defence and quick play-the-balls. A penalty goal from Blaize Talagi opened the scoring before Izack Tago finished off a sweeping movement for their first try. Nanai’s acrobatic take from a Jarome Luai kick extended the lead to 12–0 by halftime.

The second half followed the same pattern, with Samoa’s defensive line suffocating Tonga’s momentum. After the extended weather delay, Samoa kept their composure — Murray Taulagi crossed in the corner, Haas powered through a gap for a crowd-pleasing try, and Chanel Harris-Tavita capped the display late. Tolu Koula scored a consolation effort for Tonga in the dying minutes, but the result was long settled.

Pre-match analysis revisited

Pre-game expectations suggested the clash would hinge on Samoa’s ability to recover from their opening-round defeat to New Zealand and manage a depleted forward rotation. Those doubts were quickly dispelled. The inclusions of Terrell May and Jazz Tevaga stabilised the pack, while Luai and Talagi directed play with composure despite the stop-start conditions.

Tonga were expected to rely on early aggression and forward leadership in the absence of injured captain Jason Taumalolo. Without their talisman, they lacked the go-forward and cohesion needed to trouble Samoa’s line, with the Toa dominating collisions and territory for much of the match.

Stat check and key performances

Score: Samoa 34 def Tonga 6
Tries (Samoa): Nanai 2, Tago, Taulagi, Haas, Harris-Tavita
Try (Tonga): Koula
Best performers: Nanai (2 tries, 25 tackles, 80 metres), Haas (1 try, 7 busts, 180 metres), Tuivasa-Sheck (276 metres), Paulo (defence leadership)
Attendance: 44,682 at Suncorp Stadium

Historical note

The victory was Samoa’s first Test success since their 2022 World Cup campaign, when they beat Tonga 20–18 in the Warrington quarter-final to reach the semi-finals. It ended a six-match losing run and underlined Samoa’s resurgence in the international arena. Tonga, who had won two of the previous three meetings, now face a must-win clash against New Zealand to keep their Pacific Cup hopes alive.

Published 27-October-2025

We Were Promised Honey! Brings Surreal Theatre to PIP Theatre

Photo Credit: AllEntertainment/Facebook

Tenielle Plunkett’s solo performance, We Were Promised Honey!, is set to captivate Milton audiences at PIP Theatre with a series of vivid, surreal scenes exploring human experience and the distant future.

A Festival Highlight

The intimate 60-minute show We Were Promised Honey! features surreal scenes, from a baby born in a lighthouse to a spaceship on the edge of a black hole, exploring the fate of its audience across time. Everything in the narrative is predetermined, creating a meditation on endings and what comes after.

*Photo Credit: AllEntertainment/Facebook*

The show runs from 15 November to 5 December 2025, with 7:00 pm evening performances, and tickets are available through the PIP Theatre box office and online. It is part of PIP Theatre’s annual Toucan Club festival, which brings experimental theatre to Brisbane’s inner suburbs and engages local audiences with bold storytelling.

About the Performance

Plunkett’s performance explores extreme and symbolic scenarios, including a person on fire in a desert, lovers reunited in a sun-scorched city, and other moments that stretch imagination and emotional boundaries.

The production’s abstract narrative does not follow a traditional timeline, instead presenting isolated, surreal vignettes that ask the audience to reflect on life, endings, and the distant future.

Community Engagement

The PIP Theatre presentation offers Milton residents a rare opportunity to experience international-calibre theatre locally.

The venue encourages community attendance and engagement, inviting audiences to reflect on universal themes within a compact, immersive space. The festival fosters dialogue and connection among theatre-goers, highlighting local cultural participation.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Tickets for the show range from $40 to $50, with concession and group pricing available.

buy tickets here

Audience members are advised the performance contains adult themes, loud noises, strobe lighting, and coarse language.

PIP Theatre encourages early booking due to limited seating and the show’s intimate format.

Published 9-October-2025

How a Stadium Upgrade and Super Bar Will Redefine Brisbane Entertainment

Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium

Backed by music promoters, sporting bodies, and the state government, a multi-million dollar plan to expand Suncorp Stadium and build an immersive new sports bar will reshape Milton into a major economic hub for live entertainment.

The push for this revitalisation has gained significant momentum, with the Queensland government confirming it will proceed with major upgrades to the iconic stadium. This decision follows widespread calls from community leaders and prominent figures in both the music and sporting industries.

The work is set to be completed before Brisbane hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, ensuring the precinct is ready for the world stage. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner supported the move, stating that an upgraded venue benefits not just sport but a whole range of events that bring the community together.

Answering the Call for Global Entertainment

For years, Brisbane music fans have watched major international tours bypass the city. Music industry leaders have identified Suncorp Stadium’s current capacity and infrastructure as significant hurdles. Promoters from giants like Live Nation and Frontier Touring explained that bringing blockbuster stadium tours to Australia is an expensive and challenging exercise.

They argue that an expanded Suncorp Stadium would make Brisbane a more financially sustainable and attractive destination. According to Frontier Touring CEO Dion Brant, increasing the number of seats and adding a roof would be crucial. Such enhancements would not only help offset the high costs of international tours but also reduce weather-related risks and insurance expenses for promoters. These changes would play a decisive role in convincing the world’s biggest artists to include Brisbane on their tour schedules, ensuring the city is no longer overlooked.

A Modern Fortress for Sport and Fans

The vision for the precinct extends beyond the stadium walls and into the heart of the community on Caxton Street. The National Rugby League is moving forward with plans to establish a cutting-edge sports bar at the site of the Beetson Hotel. ARL Commission chief Peter V’landys described the project as a future Mecca for sports fans, designed to be the best and biggest sports bar in the country.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo added that the venue will provide a completely immersive experience, using modern LED and sound technology to make patrons feel like they are at the game. This development complements the passionate calls from rugby league legends for the stadium itself to be upgraded. Former champion Johnathan Thurston suggested an expansion to 70,000 seats would be needed to keep pace with Queensland’s growth and its ability to host world-class events. Broncos captain Adam Reynolds also used a major public platform to call for a bigger stadium, reflecting the high demand from local fans.

Building a Precinct for Generations

The planned upgrades are being framed as more than just a renovation; they represent a long-term investment in the community’s future. Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, who oversaw the stadium’s last major revamp, stated that an expansion to 65,000 seats with a roof would cement its status as Australia’s premier rectangular venue. He believes such a move would create a forward-thinking image for Brisbane and allow it to genuinely compete with Sydney and Melbourne for major national events.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a lasting legacy from the 2032 Games that benefits Queenslanders for decades. By improving capacity, accessibility, and overall quality, the project aims to ensure the Milton precinct remains the spiritual home of sport and a vibrant centre for culture and entertainment for generations to come.

Published Date 16-October-2025