Sports Fans Rejoice: Suncorp Stadium’s May 2023 Schedule Packed With Top Matches

Sports fans are in for a treat as Suncorp Stadium prepares to host a series of highly anticipated matches featuring some of the biggest teams in rugby. From thrilling encounters in the NRL Telstra Premiership to exciting Super Rugby clashes, here are the scheduled events at the stadium for May 2023.


Read: Suncorp Stadium Management Addresses Community Concerns With Improved Security Measures


Magic Round Day 1

Friday 5 May 2023

sports fans
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

The 2023 NRL Magic Round is set to commence with much anticipation and fanfare. The opening day will feature two highly-anticipated games, showcasing top-tier teams in the league.

The first game will start at around 6:00 p.m., featuring a fiercely contested matchup between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders. The Bulldogs will be looking to rebound from a challenging start to the season, whilst the Raiders will aim to solidify their position.

The second game of the day, which will start at roughly 8:00 p.m. will see the Manly Sea Eagles take on the Brisbane Broncos, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win.

Magic Round Day 2

Saturday 6 May 2023

sports fans
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

The Day 2 of the 2023 NRL Magic Round promises to be an exciting day of rugby league action, featuring three captivating match-ups between some of the top teams in the league.

The first game of the day at 3:00 p.m. will see the New Zealand Warriors take on the Penrith Panthers, to be followed by the Cronulla Sharks’ face-off against the Dolphins team at 5:30 p.m.

At 7:45 p.m., the much-anticipated finale of the day will feature a blockbuster match-up, as the Melbourne Storm aims to maintain their dominant form against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who have established themselves as top contenders in the league.

Magic Round Day 3

Sunday 7 May 2023

sports fans
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Starting at 1:50 p.m., sports fans will be able to witness a closely contested battle between the West Tigers and the St George Illawarra Dragons for Day 3 of the Magic Round.

It will be followed by a clash between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at 4:00 p.m., with the final game of the day featuring the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels starting at 6:25 p.m.

Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers

Thursday 18 May 2023

sports fans
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Get ready for an epic rugby league showdown on May 18, as the Brisbane Broncos take on the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane! This match, which will kick off at around 7:50 p.m. is sure to be a thrilling encounter between two top teams in the NRL.

Queensland Reds v Blues

sports fans
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Friday 19 May 2023

The Queensland Reds take on the Blues in what promises to be an exciting match. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7.35 p.m., and both teams will be looking to secure a victory and climb up the ladder in the Super Rugby standings.


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Dolphins v Melbourne Storm

Saturday 20 May 2023

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Fans can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere as the Dolphins and Melbourne Storm, two highly skilled teams in the NRL Telstra Premiership, prepare to face off on the upcoming match day. The highly anticipated clash is set to commence at 7:35 p.m, with both sides poised to deliver a thrilling performance on the field.

Published 24-April-2023

Suncorp Stadium Management Addresses Community Concerns With Improved Security Measures

To prevent rugby league fans from using residential streets as restrooms, the Suncorp Stadium management has installed advanced CCTV cameras in the vicinity.


Read: From Penal Settlement to Lang Park – Tracking the Transformation of the Suncorp Stadium


In May 2022, the issue garnered significant attention after a violent brawl occurred during the opening night of Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.

A local resident of Clifton Street reported that five men urinated on a fence opposite her house after the match between Broncos and Cowboys, but alleged that two police officers ignored them. However, the stadium management stated that their CCTV footage review did not capture any such incident.

Suncorp Stadium management
Photo credit: Rich B/Google Maps

Last year, residents also voiced their concerns after incidents of littering, foul language, public urination, defecation, and even sex acts in public.  They highlighted that the problem might escalate due to the surge in the number of rugby league matches, particularly after the Dolphins started playing some games at the stadium.

Suncorp Stadium management
Photo credit: Justin Fattorini/Google Maps

The residents are tolerant of the lighting and noise, and acknowledge the possibility of litter. However, they are displeased with the presence of a group of drunk young men loitering in their neighbourhood. They believe that such behaviour is detrimental to the reputation of both rugby league and the stadium.

Alan Graham, general manager at Suncorp Stadium, emphasised their commitment to being a responsible neighbour in Petrie Terrace, Milton, and Auchenflower. 

In response to the incidents that occurred last year, the Suncorp Stadium management has increased security measures in Clifton St and other adjacent streets. 

Photo credit: Rob Crane/Google Maps

These measures include improving lighting on Clifton St, installing high-quality CCTV cameras to assist law enforcement in identifying offenders, regularly communicating with residents, providing portable toilets outside the stadium, liaising with the police, and implementing other precautionary measures.


Read: Suncorp Stadium in Milton Increases Concert Cap to 12


The act of public urination is classified as an offence under the Queensland Government’s Summary Offences Act 2005. Whilst it is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine, it is still frequently determined in court.

Published 21-April-2023

Suncorp Stadium in Milton Increases Concert Cap to 12

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.” 

Number of Concerts per Year at Suncorp Stadium Could Potentially Double

Suncorp Stadium in Milton could temporarily increase the number of concerts it hosts per year from the current six to 12. A recent survey was also done to determine whether the community supports the proposal.



In mid-September 2022, the State Government released a survey asking the community if they would consider allowing the venue to double the number of concerts it will host per year after the last cap was eased. Currently, Suncorp Stadium is allowed to host up to six concerts only per year.

The survey is meant to help the State Government to understand whether local residents and businesses would support the proposed temporary increase in the number of concerts held at the Milton venue.

In 2015, the concert cap at Suncorp Stadium was increased to six from the previous four as a result of an eight-week online survey that showed that more than 83 per cent of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed to allow the move.

The latest community consultation which aims to determine if residents and local businesses agree to the proposal of having more than six concerts held at the stadium each year or not has already concluded. The responses are now already being considered.

Guns N' Roses is coming to Suncorp Stadium this 22nd November
Guns N’ Roses is coming to Suncorp Stadium this 22nd November | Photo credit: Facebook / Suncorp Stadium 

Within the next six months, there are seven concerts already lined up for the venue – Guns N’ Roses, Justin Bieber, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

The proposed increase is a temporary measure in anticipation of the increase in the number of concert tours by major acts following the easing of pandemic-induced restrictions in many countries.



Also known as Brisbane Stadium and Lang Park, the Suncorp Stadium was built in the 1910s. The Stadiums Queensland-owned 52,500-seat stadium accommodates a range of uses including Rugby League, Rugby Union, soccer, concerts, boxing, and extreme sports. 

In late September 2022, the Queensland Government re-appointed ASM Global as manager of the stadium for five more years. ASM Global runs stadiums across Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.

Will Caxton Street Be Turned Into a Pedestrian Mall Soon?

Caxton Street could soon be closed to traffic in the evening and on weekends, if plans for the strip push through. Local business owners believe that the strip needs upgrading and enhancing pedestrian safety to draw more crowds into the area.



Local businesses are putting forward plans to turn the strip into a vibrant pedestrian mall that would span from Suncorp Stadium to the Barracks. A semi-permanent set-up may be considered for Council approval, consisting of retractable bollards that would allow the area to be closed in the evening and on weekends, making it much safer for visitors to move around.

Caxton Street
Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland / https://www.queensland.com

Business owners are pushing for the revitalisation of the stretch so it can keep up with the ongoing developments in the city especially once the Olympics kicks in. Caxton Street is also expected to get busier beginning next year with several sporting events already lined up in 2023  including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Dolphins and the Broncos playing at Suncorp Stadium.

Whilst some residents welcome the proposal, others are concerned that the proposed project could worsen traffic around the area. 

“Not good for the residents of Petrie Terrace as motorists will take the side streets to avoid. A better idea would be to enclose hale street into a tunnel and put parklands over the top as it used to be.” – N. Hall

 Caxton Hotel
Caxton Hotel | Photo Credit: The Caxton / caxton.com.au

“Closing off Caxton Street will make for a traffic nightmare on Waterworks road into the city. Only other options would be Samford Rd or Milton Rd. Neither or which are great runs.” – K. Hopkins

“I like it, but they need to do better traffic routing around it for game days. If they close milton rd as well it would be a nightmare.” – P. Rosenow

“Sounds like a safe and sound idea to me but not until later in the night.” – F. Lansley

“It’s a bus route. The diversion adds travel time.” – R. Turner

“I think it should be closed permanently. Would be better as a mall.” – J. Taylor



Named after English writer and merchant William Caxton, the precinct is home to some of Brisbane’s finest entertainment venues, pubs and restaurants including the iconic Caxton Hotel and the Lord Alfred Hotel. A popular entertainment and dining destination in the inner city, Caxton Street comes alive on weekends, particularly after an NRL or soccer game. Caxton Street is also known for its annual street party event, the Caxton Hotel Seafood Festival.

Suncorp Stadium Makes History New Venue Of NRL 2021 Finals Series

Editor’s Note: As of 30 September 2021, QLD’s NRL Grand Final will be played to a capped crowd of just 39,000 fans due to updated Covid-19 restrictions. Refunds will be issued to the final 25% purchases made in each Grand Final selling allocation. For more details and updates, please follow the NRL Facebook page.

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium is set to make history after being chosen as the venue for the 2021 NRL grand final, in the league’s first time to play the finals series outside of Sydney in 114 years.


Read: Milton Markets Celebrates Blooming Spring with Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition


The game is usually held at Sydney’s Stadium Australia but because of the ongoing spread of the Delta variant in NSW, the grand final is set to relocate to Queensland and will remain there until the end of the regular season.

In a press conference earlier this month, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the Queensland Government made an agreement with the National Rugby League to host the finals as well as a number of regional games.  

Photo credit: NRL – National Rugby League/Facebook

“Never in my lifetime did I think that we would have an NRL grand final here in Queensland, and finally, that’s happened… So well done Queensland,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

Because of Queensland’s efforts for helping the league afloat this year, it did not have to bid for the right to host the final series. Around 4.6 million had been spent on securing the finals series whilst the event is expected to bring in $19 million to the Queensland economy.

As Queensland cements itself as the new home of the rugby league, it’s anticipated that more rugby games will be played in the state in the coming years, according to Sports Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe.

“This is an unprecedented venture into regional Queensland by the NRL. We’re also working with the NRL on a Centre of Excellence at QSAC for women’s rugby league which complements the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in women’s sport,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

“Queensland is a nursery for rugby league talent, and it makes sense to work with the NRL on ways we can support our future stars,” he added.

About the Suncorp Stadium 

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium 

Over 50,000 die-hard Rugby League fans are expected to descend at the Suncorp Stadium, as Queensland’s outdoor stadiums can now have 100 percent capacity.

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Also known as Brisbane Stadium, Suncorp Stadium plays host to many major events each year, from rugby leagues and rugby unions to concerts and boxing events. The state-of-the-art, world-class stadium features 52,500 seats across three levels, 75% of which are covered to the drip line of the stadium roof. 

NRL Grand Finals

Photo credit: NRL – National Rugby League/Facebook

The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will take place on Sunday 3 October 2021.

The finals series kicks off with two elimination finals and two qualifying finals spread out over three days before the semi-finals and preliminary finals over successive weekends leading up to the premiership decider.

Mackay will host the semi-finals on Friday, 17 September and Saturday, 18 Sept with the preliminary finals to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 24 Sept and Saturday, 25 Sept 2021.

In line with state-wide mask requirements, fans are asked to wear masks at all times, including when seated. Visit Suncorp Stadium’s website for more information on buying tickets and health protocols when inside the venue.

Super Pfizer Weekend to Roll Out For Footy Fans

In a bid to boost the vaccination rate among Queensland residents, a Super Pfizer Weekend will be rolled out at all vaccination hubs during the NRL preliminary finals weekend at the Suncorp Stadium. Over 100,000 eligible footy fans aged 12 years old and above can walk in and get the jab.



The move to conduct the Super Pfizer Weekend walk-in vaccinations also comes as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the over 60s may get Pfizer jabs at any of the 80 clinics beginning Saturday, 18 Sept. Previously, the over 60s were offered only AstraZeneca jabs.

Queensland received 189,400 doses of Pfizer on Monday, 13 Sept, and the premier has vowed to use the lot as soon as possible. Many people, including the over 60s, have been holding out for this vaccine as stashes of AstraZeneca doses remain unused at GPs and pharmacies.

Following the walk-in vaccination announcement, hundreds of footy fans lined up during the  NRL elimination finals in Rockhampton. In the coming weeks, more pop-up hubs will be opened near where the fans are expected to troop for the games. 

Meanwhile, this will be the first time Suncorp Stadium is hosting the  NRL grand finals in the game’s 114-year history. Queensland won the right to host the event following the COVID outbreak in Sydney. 

“This year we will create history, playing the grand final in Brisbane for the very first time,” Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said in the press statement. 

“This will be a historic moment for the city and a reward for the support the Queensland community has given us throughout 2021.



“This year will always be remembered as the year Queensland hosted all of our major events; All Stars, Magic Round, three State of Origins and the grand final.”

Before moving to the Suncorp Stadium, two weeks of the finals will be played in Mackay. 

Tickets Out for First Nitro World Games in Australia

A major sports event that’s usually held in the U.S. is coming to Australia for the first time. Nitro World Games, an Elite action BMX, skate and scooter competition, will be staged at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.



Ticket sales for this event, with more than 60 competitors around the world, will go up on Sunday, 7 Feb 2021 via the official site. The exclusive two-day passes will be released until 11 Feb 2021. 

Spectators can expect exciting matches and exhibitions from world-class athletes in Freestyle Motocross, BMX, Skateboarding and Scooter.

“Nitro World Games at Suncorp Stadium is predicted to deliver more that $20 million to Queensland’s tourism economy, attracting up to 76,000 visitor nights,” Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said. “That’s a spectacular and welcome boost for accommodation and transport providers, cafes, restaurants and local tourism businesses.”

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

The State Government said that this is a major coup for Australia’s sporting capital, validating the effective COVID-19 measures adopted in Queensland.

“Nitro world Games is a destination event that will bring visitors to South East Queensland and support local jobs for Queensland’s economic recovery,” Mr Hinchcliffe added.

“The hard work of Queenslanders on COVID-19 means we’re able to enjoy safe, elite action events like the World Nitro Games. “



Andy Edwards, the President of Asia Pacific for Thrill One Sports & Entertainment, said that it feels good to have this anticipation for the first-ever Nitro World Games outside of its usual venue, the United States, following the games’ cancellation in 2020.

Mr Edwards said that they’ve been receiving an unprecedented pre-sale ticket demand in the last week. 

“[It] just makes the prospect of staging this unique event in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium of screaming fans all the more exciting.”

The games will run from 23 to 24 Oct 2021. 

Additional Tickets Released for Pacquiao vs Horn, Battle of Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, Milton

Due to the magnitude of the event, Suncorp Stadium is increasing the audience capacity to 60,000 for the Battle of Brisbane fight between Queensland local Jeff Horn and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

The bout, scheduled on Sunday, 2 July 2017 will be a huge international event that will be aired live to 180 countries. Suncorp Stadium officials were initially hoping to see a crowd of up to 55,000, but it is looking to surpass the record audience of 58,912 people when the Broncos won the 1997 Super League at QEII Stadium.

Queensland tourism minister Kate Jones told Courier-Mail that “the huge national and international interest in the Battle of Brisbane means we had no other option but to expand capacity at Suncorp Stadium.”

Purpose-built seats will be provided for the additional tickets released. Almost 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the event.

Photo credit: The Boxing Analyst/Facebook

Event Times

Gates Open 8:30 a.m
Bout A: 9.10 a.m.
Bout B: 9.40 a.m.
Bout C: 10.10 a.m.
Bout 1: 11.10 a.m.
Bout 2: 12.00 p.m.
Bout 3: 12.40 p.m.
Main Event: 1.30 p.m.

 

Get tickets here


Battle of Surprises

Since the announcement of the fight, Jeff Horn, dubbed Brisbane’s Fighting Schoolteacher, has been catapulted to international stardom, with many in the western hemisphere wanting to know more about the fighter. And while the Pacman is still the overwhelming favourite to win, the element of surprise is on the side of Horn.

Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton told Fox Sports Australia that Pacquiao has not yet encountered a fighter like Horn. Rushton added that it would be difficult to fight someone like Horn because you would never know what’s coming at you.

“He can turn southpaw like Manny, he can hit you with right hand leads and he can move and fight from angles that Manny hasn’t encountered before,” Rushton said.

Photo credit: Pound 4 Pound TV/Facebook

Rushton is counting on the “broken rhythm pressure” technique that he invented to demolish the current WBO welterweight champion.

Horn will come into the ring with a record of 16 wins, 0 loss and 1 draw, with 11 of his wins via knockout. While his record is impressive, it is dwarfed by Pacquiao’s record of 59 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws. Pacquiao won by 38 knockouts during his career.

The Filipino boxer’s trainer Freddie Roach is not underestimating Horn. “We can’t take Horn lightly. He’s got everything at stake here in the fight. A win for him would be tremendous for his career and we just can’t let that happen,” Roach told On the Ropes Boxing Radio.

Fight promoter Bob Arum said that fighting before a home crowd could give Horn the boost he will need. Arum told the Courier-Mail that “if his fight with Pacquiao was in Vegas or Madison Square Garden in New York, I wouldn’t give him much of a chance because I think nerves would take over.”

“But the fact that Jeff is going to be fighting in front of so many of his countrymen will calm his nerves and I think he will give a great account of himself.”

Pacquiao is flying to Brisbane on Saturday, 24 June, with 200 of his family and friends.

Thousands of Filipinos and boxing fans from all over the globe are also expected to come to Brisbane to watch the title bout at the Suncorp Stadium.