Brisbane Roar will aim to secure the elusive first win of the season when they host Melbourne City on Friday, 6 December, following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Macarthur FC last weekend. Roar vs Melbourne City kick off 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar returns to home turf with renewed determination after securing their first point of the season in a pulsating encounter at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side showcased moments of attacking brilliance but also revealed defensive frailties in a match that swung wildly with four lead changes.
Rising star Thomas Waddingham continues to shine brightly in Brisbane’s campaign. The 19-year-old striker’s clinical first-half brace against Macarthur highlighted his growing importance to the team. As Roar prepare to take on a disciplined Melbourne City defence, Brisbane faithful will be counting on Waddingham to find the back of the net once more.
Roar vs Melbourne City
Melbourne City arrives at Suncorp Stadium sitting fifth on the ladder with nine points from five matches. While Brisbane’s attack has kept pace with City’s, matching their eight goals this season, defensive woes tell a very different story. Conceding 14 goals in just five matches—in stark contrast to City’s five—Brisbane’s backline faces a formidable challenge.
The return of experienced defender Scott Neville could not have come at a better time. Making his first appearance since recovering from an ACL injury, Neville completed a solid 65 minutes against Macarthur, offering much-needed stability to Brisbane’s defence. His return after a 312-day absence adds depth and leadership to a backline in need of fortification.
For Brisbane, maintaining their attacking momentum while finding defensive stability will be critical in securing their elusive first victory of the campaign. With home support roaring from the stands, could Friday night lights at Suncorp Stadium mark the turning point of their season?
Have you ever wondered what may have led Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Oasis to pass on performing in Brisbane, leaving Brisbane fans with no option but to travel out-of-state for their shows?
Case in point: Suncorp Stadium in Milton is Queensland’s only large-scale concert venue; and industry insiders say its limited capacity and outdated event policies are causing major artists or organisers of massive crowd-drawing events to bypass Brisbane.
International acts have increasingly excluded Brisbane from their tour schedules, citing factors such as rising touring costs and the logistical challenges of performing at a venue that insiders describe as inadequate for modern, large-scale productions.
When Taylor Swift performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the local economy experienced a definite boost. Restaurants experienced a 99% increase in customer patronage. Clothing store sales rose by 67%. Pubs and bars posted a 146% increase in business and accommodation bookings swelled by 238%.
Music promoter Tony Cochrane, who has worked with acts like The Rolling Stones, says Queensland’s approach to securing international talent is “outdated” and fragmented.
According to him, attracting major acts requires a cohesive strategy that includes Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Stadiums Queensland, and various agencies. Without this, he warns, Brisbane will continue to be overlooked in favour of Sydney and Melbourne.
Call for New Infrastructure and Support
Key Brisbane personalities and and many industry figures have voiced the need for updated facilities and more centralised planning.
John Collins, former bassist of Powderfinger and the newly appointed Night-Life Economy Commissioner, says the city lacks a “world-class stadium” that could attract big acts. He believes such a venue is essential for Brisbane’s cultural and economic growth. He suggests that a new stadium, connected to Brisbane’s key precincts, would make the city more appealing to promoters and artists alike.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mr Collins and other industry voices have also pointed out the challenges posed by the city’s limited venue options. Besides Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane’s only other large concert space is the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, which is over 30 years old and unable to accommodate the needs of some modern productions.
Queensland’s Strategy Lags Behind Other States
Meanwhile, other Australian states have invested heavily in attracting big names. Western Australia recently spent $8 million to secure Coldplay for a Perth concert, yielding a reported $43 million in economic benefits. This approach has significantly boosted state tourism and the local economy, and WA has committed to securing exclusive events that bring large visitor numbers.
In contrast, Queensland has been less proactive in offering similar incentives to attract high-profile artists, shows or sporting events.
The need for planned improvements has never been more apparent that in the wake of missed tour opportunities by acts such as Taylor Swift and Oasis. As a result, Queensland is now open to considering proposals for improving Brisbane’s concert infrastructure and creating a more unified approach among stakeholders.
Economic and Logistical Realities
Rising costs associated with fuel and international airfares have led promoters to concentrate their Australian tours in cities with the highest population densities, making it cost-effective for artists to perform in one or two locations. Venue managers say Brisbane’s current concert infrastructure limits the appeal for international acts who can otherwise rely on fans travelling to larger venues in Sydney or Melbourne.
Harvey Lister, chair of venue management group ASM Global, said that Brisbane’s event strategies are failing to keep pace with international standards, leaving local fans in the lurch as artists increasingly pass over Queensland.
Brisbane’s hopes for attracting big acts or high-profile sporting events rest partially on the Brisbane Live Arena, a 17,000-capacity venue planned for the 2032 Olympics.
Supporters of the new venue say it will bring much-needed infrastructure to the city and “turbocharge” Brisbane’s entertainment landscape. For its part, Tourism and Events Queensland said that while the decision to include Brisbane on tour schedules lies with artists and their promoters, it remains committed to working with event organisers to strengthen Brisbane’s place as a concert destination.
An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.
The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.
The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.
Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum
However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.
While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.
The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.
Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.
A month after their first victory over Germany in 19 years, the Matildas return to Suncorp Stadium this Thursday, 28 November, at 8:00 p.m. to take on football powerhouse Brazil.
Celebration match for local hero Clare Polkinghorne
The fixture carries special significance as veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne prepares for her final international window in front of her home crowd. Notably, the last time Australia faced Brazil on home soil, Polkinghorne kicked off the scoring in a 3-1 victory for the Matildas.
Adding to the occasion, vice-captain Emily van Egmond stands poised to earn her 150th cap, which would make her just the fourth Australian footballer to reach this milestone.
Matildas squad shuffle
Interim coach Tom Sermanni has made several squad adjustments ahead of the Brazil encounter. The Matildas will compete with a 34-player squad following the withdrawal of WSL midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler due to injuries sustained in recent club matches.
Gorry suffered a shoulder injury in the same game she opened her scoring account for West Ham with a brace; Wheeler, on the other hand, sustained a lower leg injury playing for Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has also pulled out of the upcoming matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing a need to rest and recover after a hectic playing schedule.
World Cup hero Cortnee Vine remains unavailable, having announced an indefinite break from football to prioritize her mental health. Vine, whose penalty secured Australia’s historic World Cup semi-final appearance, continues to manage the challenges that have accompanied her rising profile.
The extended roster reflects strong domestic talent, with 16 players currently competing in the A-League Women competition. Notable returns include Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo, all recalled following impressive domestic form.
Milestone victory over Germany
The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.
Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci in the fifth minute, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime, followed by Clare Hunt’s first international goal which secured the triumph.
Following the Suncorp Stadium opener, the Matildas will rematch with Brazil at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.
Ticketek has officially renewed its long-standing partnership with Suncorp Stadium in Milton, solidifying its position as the exclusive ticketing provider for one of Australia’s premier sporting and entertainment venues.
The renewal follows a competitive tender process led by Stadiums Queensland, demonstrating the trust and confidence in Ticketek’s capabilities to deliver “best-in-class” ticketing technology for the stadium’s diverse array of events.
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps
With over 40 years of experience in ticketing and event management across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the UK, Ticketek is part of TEG, the Asia Pacific’s leading ticketing, live entertainment, and data analytics company.
This extensive background enables Ticketek to offer innovative solutions that enhance the fan experience at Suncorp Stadium, which has hosted some of Queensland’s largest events for more than two decades.
Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG Group, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, stating, “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Suncorp Stadium. For over 20 years, we have ticketed some of the largest events in Queensland.”
“Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in ticketing and fan engagement, ensuring that every event at Suncorp Stadium is an unforgettable experience for all fans.” This commitment underscores Ticketek’s dedication to not only maintaining but also enhancing the quality of service provided to attendees.
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps
Stadiums Queensland’s Chief Executive, Todd Harris, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of innovative technology in delivering world-class events. “We needed an innovative ticketing services partner to provide world-leading technology for our amazing Suncorp Stadium events,” he said.
“After a very competitive tender process, we are extremely pleased to be renewing our partnership with Ticketek. Stadiums Queensland looks forward to working closely with Ticketek to continually evolve and enhance the fan experience, providing accessible, inclusive, safe, and enjoyable events at Suncorp Stadium.”
In addition to the renewed partnership, Suncorp Stadium will benefit from TEG’s advanced data insights and marketing research platform, Ovation. This powerful tool allows venues to better understand their audience, tailoring future events to meet the preferences and expectations of fans. By leveraging data analytics, Ticketek and Suncorp Stadium are poised to create experiences that resonate deeply with attendees, ensuring each event is not only memorable but also reflective of fan desires.
The renewed partnership between Ticketek and Suncorp Stadium marks a significant step forward in the evolution of ticketing services in Australia, setting the stage for unforgettable events that bring communities together and create lasting memories.
Brisbane Roar will seek redemption in their home opener this Friday, November 1, as they face Sydney FC looking to recover from their season-opening defeat. Roar vs Sydney FC kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar began their 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 loss to competition newcomers Auckland FC at a packed Go Media Stadium. An eighth-minute own goal from debutant Harry Van Der Saag set the tone, with Logan Rogerson’s 75th-minute strike sealing the result for the hosts.
Despite the setback, the match showcased promising signs for the club’s future, featuring seven players in their Roar debuts. Newcomers Neicer Acosta and Thomas Waddingham demonstrated their potential, forcing Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into crucial saves. The squad received an additional boost from the return of Ben Halloran, while Sam Klein’s integration added fresh tactical options to the team’s approach.
Head coach Ruben Zadkovich maintains a positive outlook despite the opening day result. “It was an even game, very patchy,” Zadkovich says. “There were some moments for us where I thought we did really well and started to control it.”
“It was a very even game but a couple of moments that went against us.”
The coach’s commitment to youth development remains a cornerstone of his strategy, evidenced by the debuts of Sam Klein and local Queensland product Ivan Ozzi. “There’s nothing better in my position than being able to reward young players that are fighting to become professional footballers,” Zadkovich notes.
Brisbane now turn their attention to Friday’s crucial clash against Sydney FC, who enter the match following a 1-nil loss to Auckland FC. The fixture presents an early opportunity for the Roar to demonstrate their resilience and secure their first points of the season in front of their home supporters.
Fans can secure their tickets here to witness the Roar’s first home fixture of the 2024/25 season as they aim to get their campaign back on track against Sydney FC.
Suncorp Stadium in Milton will host American heavy metal legends Metallica on 12 November 2025 as part of their M72 World Tour, marking the band’s first Australian visit in over a decade.
Metallica will be returning to Australia for their first tour since 2013. After cancelling their 2020 Australian stadium tour due to frontman James Hetfield’s return to rehab, fans have eagerly awaited the band’s return. This tour will take place in five major cities across Australia, including Brisbane, and a final stop in Auckland, New Zealand.
The tour will kick off at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 1 November 2025, with performances following at Adelaide Oval, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. It will conclude at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. Auckland’s Eden Park will host the final show on 19 November.
Supporting Acts and Tour Features
Joining Metallica on this Australian leg of the tour are Evanescence, famous for hits like “Bring Me to Life”, and “Suicidal Tendencies,” best known for “Institutionalized.” This combination of metal and rock bands is expected to draw fans of all ages.
The tour will feature Metallica’s renowned “Snake Pit,” a fan-favourite stage setup that allows some audience members to be close to the action in the centre of the stage.
In addition, there will be opportunities for meet-and-greets, backstage tours, and other exclusive ticket experiences such as the “I Disappear Ticket,” which gives die-hard fans access to all six shows in Australia and New Zealand. Travel packages including tickets and accommodation will be available in most cities.
Pre-sale tickets will be available for Live Nation members, Vodafone, and CommBank Mastercard holders starting 1 November 2024. General ticket sales will begin on 4 November 2024 at noon Brisbane local time.
For Brisbane fans, residents and 2024 Suncorp Stadium members will have early access to purchase tickets from 2:00 pm on 1 November until 11:00 am on 4 November.
Formed in 1981, Metallica is one of the world’s most successful heavy metal bands, with over 120 million albums sold globally and nine Grammy Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing their status as metal icons. Their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons was released in 2023 and reached number one on the ARIA chart.
Metallica’s last tour in Brisbane was during the Soundwave Festival on 23 February 2013 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. This was part of the larger Soundwave 2013 festival, where Metallica headlined alongside bands like Linkin Park and Blink-182. They performed a setlist packed with fan favourites, including “Master of Puppets,” “Enter Sandman,” and “One.” The show spanned their career, opening with their iconic intro cover of “The Ecstasy of Gold” and ending with a powerful encore featuring “Creeping Death,” “Battery,” and “Seek & Destroy.”
In a touching tribute to their extraordinary impact on women’s sports, a permanent homage to the Matildas has been revealed at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
The bronze plaque celebrates the team’s outstanding performance during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, marking a watershed moment for women’s football in Australia.
The tribute, a cast bronze bas relief measuring approximately 5.5 metres wide and 2.1 metres high, now adorns the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium. Created by Brisbane-based Urban Art Projects (UAP), the artwork captures a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history – the team’s jubilant reaction to Courtnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France on 12 August 2023, a moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.
This installation complements existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
Photo credit: Matildas/Facebook
The monument serves as a testament to the team’s on-field prowess and their broader social impact. The Matildas’ World Cup journey not only united the nation but also inspired a new generation of athletes, particularly young girls, to pursue their sporting dreams.
The Matildas’ Lasting Impact
The influence of the Matildas extends far beyond their World Cup performance. Following the tournament, Football Australia reported a staggering 44 percent increase in female player numbers statewide. This surge in participation underscores the team’s role in promoting women’s involvement in sports and their potential to shape the future of football in Australia.
Photo credit: Matildas/Facebook
Tameka Yallop, one of the players immortalised in the bronze tribute, was present at the debut of the artwork. Her presence symbolised the personal connection many Australians feel with the team and their achievements.
“It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.
“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”
Looking Ahead: The Matildas Return
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook
The unveiling of the tribute coincides with an exciting announcement for football fans. The Matildas are set to return to Queensland for their first matches since the World Cup. They will face Olympic silver medalists Brazil in a two-match international series later in 2024, with games scheduled in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The first match will take place on November 28 at Suncorp Stadium, followed by a second encounter on December 1 at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. These matches not only promise thrilling football action but also offer fans a chance to relive the excitement of the World Cup and witness the ongoing evolution of women’s football in Australia.
The Matildas’ story, now etched in bronze, will continue to inspire, motivate, and shape the landscape of women’s sports in Australia for years to come.
In January 2025, US country sensation Luke Combs will ignite Suncorp Stadium in Milton with two electrifying performances, solidifying his status as the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour Down Under.
This highly anticipated announcement follows Combs’ wildly successful 2023 Australian tour, where fans engaged in a virtual “Hunger Games” to secure tickets that vanished in record time. Earlier this week, the singer-songwriter sparked a frenzy on social media by posting enigmatic images of stadiums across Australia and New Zealand.
He further fuelled the excitement with a throwback video from his previous tour, in which he hinted at his return to Australia, stating he didn’t know when, but he would be back. On Instagram, Combs posted a final cryptic clue—the date and time in AEST—which astute fans correctly deciphered at the moment of the official tour announcement.
Hailing from North Carolina, Combs’ ascent to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. In just five years, he has progressed from playing intimate venues to commanding sold-out stadiums worldwide. His authentic songwriting, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocals have resonated with a massive audience, making him one of his generation’s most successful country artists.
Combs has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. He’s also broken records with his chart-topping hits, consistently dominating the country music charts and even crossing over to mainstream pop success.
His Brisbane shows will boast an impressive supporting line-up, including Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, and homegrown favourite Lane Pittman, who also shared the stage with Combs in 2023. These rising stars in the country music scene promise an unforgettable night of entertainment for fans.
“Fast Car” Revival
One of the highlights of Combs’ recent success is his captivating rendition of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit “Fast Car.” Combs’ version introduced the classic song to a new generation, showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth. The song became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and further solidifying Combs’ status as a musical force.
Pre-sale tickets for his last tour sold out within minutes, and demand for the 2025 shows is projected to be even more intense.
Ticket sales commenced on Monday, 23 September, with the Bootleggers presale, followed by the Frontier presale on Tuesday, 24 September. General public sales open on Thursday, 25 September at 1:00 p.m. local time.
Fans are steeling themselves for a repeat of the 2023 ticket scramble, which left many empty-handed despite spending hours in online queues. Resale tickets from that tour commanded prices as high as $700, and with expectations soaring for 2025, ticket platforms are bracing for another onslaught.
Anticipation is building, with wrestling legend Paul “Big Show” Wight promising a spectacle featuring the “best in-ring grapplers in the world.”
A crowd exceeding 40,000 is expected to fill the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere for the event. Wight recently transitioned from WWE to AEW and is enthusiastic about performing in Brisbane’s renowned “Cauldron.” He’s confident that AEW’s roster, which boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, will deliver an unforgettable show.
The AEW lineup includes familiar faces like Chris Jericho, Christian Cage, Adam Copeland (Edge), Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), and Gold Coast native Toni Storm. Wight believes AEW’s emphasis on in-ring talent and commitment to nurturing young wrestlers sets it apart.
He sees the competition between wrestling promotions as a positive sign for the industry, generating excitement and opportunities for performers and fans alike.
Storm, eager to perform in her home country, predicts “absolute mayhem” at the Brisbane event. She recognises the significance of AEW’s return to Australia and anticipates a memorable night for wrestling fans.
Tickets for AEW Grand Slam: Australia will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 13 September, via Ticketek. Fans can also sign up for the TEG Sport pre-sale waitlist at tegsport.com.au and secure early access from Tuesday, 10 September.
