More music and live performances will be enjoyed at Suncorp Stadium in Milton following the announcement of an increase in the concert cap from six to 12 major events.
Following Elton John’s farewell show in January 2023, the massive sports and entertainment venue on Castlemaine Street will be hosting more shows to boost Brisbane’s tourism economy.
After seeking feedback for the cap increase, more than 78 per cent of local residents and businesses in Milton supported the new concert cap. Previously, live musical performances were limited because there are still many residential sites in the area.
Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new concert cap would apply for 2023 and 2024.
“We’re seeing a stream of major international music acts putting together plans to get back on the road with world stadium tours after Covid,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Right now, Suncorp Stadium -with its central location, capacity and public transport capability – is highly sought-after by promoters bringing music events to Australia.
“Whether it’s Ed Sheeran or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, major concerts bring visitors who spend millions of dollars in the tourism economy and support local jobs.
“Five concert events are already locked in for Suncorp Stadium in the first two months of 2023.
“That leaves one more show for the rest of the year under the current six concert cap and several overseas acts scrambling to finalise dates.
“We’ve asked Queenslanders to have their say on lifting the concert cap from six to 12 a year for 2023 and 2024 and found strong support for more music at Suncorp Stadium.”
However, Mr Hinchliffe also said that Suncorp Stadium will remain primarily a world-class sports stadium, adding that the increase in concert cap is a “response to extraordinary post-Covid demand for Suncorp Stadium dates by some of the world’s biggest music acts.”
“These are high-quality events that will support the sustained recovery of our visitor economy from accommodation and hospitality to tourism operators.”