Two of Suncorp Stadium’s biggest stakeholders are calling on Queensland’s sporting authorities to invest in an upgrade of the Cauldron, as planning for a new arena at Victoria Park continues ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
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The Brisbane Broncos and venue operator Legends Global have both gone public with calls for proper investment in the stadium.
Suncorp Stadium has not undergone a major refurbishment since 2003, with planning discussions now examining how the venue could be modernised to meet future event requirements, including the potential use of artificial intelligence systems to improve large-scale event delivery and reduce operational costs during changeovers between sporting fixtures and concerts.
Stakeholders want action before 2032
Brisbane Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy has acknowledged that while the stadium’s seating bowl remains world-class, the broader venue has not kept pace with modern stadiums built across Europe and North America over the past decade. Mr Donaghy has stressed that planning needs to begin now, given the Broncos’ lease expires in 2032, the same year Brisbane hosts the Olympics.
Mr Donaghy has also indicated the Broncos are willing to invest in the stadium to help secure its long-term future, though he said it is too early to specify what form or scale that contribution might take.
Legends Global Asia Pacific chairman and chief executive Harvey Lister said fans attending events at Suncorp have a reasonable expectation of a contemporary and enhanced experience. Mr Lister confirmed Legends Global is prepared to make a significant financial contribution to upgrades, on the condition that investment is commercially sound and causes minimal disruption to the venue’s event schedule.
Mr Lister also called for other Suncorp tenants, the Dolphins and the Queensland Reds, to be included in upgrade and investment discussions.
What upgrades could involve
No formal plans have been publicly released. Based on stakeholder commentary, any upgrade would focus on targeted improvements to the fan experience rather than a full rebuild of the venue. Mr Lister has been explicit that a major reconstruction is not what is being sought. Additional seating has been flagged as part of any upgrade, though no further detail on scope has been made public.
Victoria Park adds pressure on timeline
The new Brisbane stadium being developed at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics has added urgency to calls for a Suncorp upgrade. Mr Donaghy said the Broncos welcome the new venue but cautioned that Suncorp should not be overlooked in the process.
When asked whether the club might consider relocating to Victoria Park if adequate investment was not made at Suncorp, Mr Donaghy said he remained hopeful Suncorp would stay the home of rugby league, while noting the club was curious about what the new venue would offer.
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Sports Minister Tim Mander has said planning is underway to ensure Suncorp remains the best rugby league stadium in the world. Mr Mander’s office has described Suncorp as the spiritual home of rugby league.
Mr Lister has noted that any works would need to be carefully staged to avoid disrupting the venue’s busy event calendar. Mr Donaghy has similarly indicated the Broncos want to be part of the planning process and are prepared to invest in the stadium.
Published 6-May-2026
