Suncorp Stadium Archives - Page 4 of 11

Hybrid Stadium Model Considered by Brisbane Roar with Milton Base Retained

Brisbane Roar Football Club is assessing a hybrid stadium model that retains its Milton base at Suncorp Stadium while exploring smaller nearby venues to address falling attendance and improve match-day viability.

Club Responds to Ongoing Attendance and Performance Challenges

Brisbane Roar is navigating significant changes ahead of the 2025–26 A-League campaign. This includes a renewed focus on its presence in Milton. The club intends to keep Suncorp Stadium as its main base, while also exploring the use of a smaller venue to improve match-day atmosphere and operational sustainability.

Recent seasons have seen Brisbane Roar struggle to draw crowds. Current attendance figures average just 5,463 at the 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium. This ongoing issue has added financial strain despite continued backing from the Indonesian ownership group, the Bakrie Group.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Roar FC/Facebook*

Leadership Shift and Late-Season Momentum

The appointment of Michael Valkanis as head coach marks a major shift in club leadership. Following a string of underwhelming performances, the squad has been overhauled. However, recent results have shown signs of recovery. In their last five matches, Brisbane Roar recorded three wins, one draw, and a single loss, including a 2–1 victory against Central Coast Mariners.

Club leadership views access to smaller venues as necessary alongside its continued presence at Suncorp. The move responds to current financial pressures and addresses the visual impact of low attendance in a large venue.

Secondary Venues Under Review

Brisbane Roar is evaluating Perry Park and Ballymore as potential complementary venues to its Milton base. While not located in Milton, both sites are nearby and seen as viable for select matches. Perry Park has a 5,000 capacity, and Ballymore is primarily used by Queensland Rugby Union. Access to either would allow the club to operate in purpose-fit environments while maintaining Suncorp as its traditional home.

Club leadership has emphasised that any transition would be gradual. Suncorp remains a central part of their future. The goal is to re-establish a consistent fan experience while ensuring financial efficiency.

Suncorp Stadium — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Roar FC/Facebook*

Club Vision and Development Focus

The club’s current strategy supports its goal of becoming a respected and high-performing football organisation across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This includes developing talent through grassroots initiatives such as the Roar Active Program and Brisbane Roar Academy. These remain key priorities for the club’s community engagement efforts in Queensland.

Published 12-May-2025

Can Benji’s Men Build on their Magic Round Record or Will the Dragons Bounce Back?

Considering the Wests Tigers have had such a poor run in recent years, they currently hold a winning record in magic Round, having won three from five.

Benji Marshall’s troops have started to gather some momentum this season, giving the Wests diehards a long overdue optimism. Last week’s Golden Point win at home to the Sharks could be a season changer. The previous week’s loss at home to the Eels was a missed opportunity after beating the struggling Knights on the road. Adam Doueihi’s 88th-minute golden point penalty goal came after the Sharks had two dropped goal attempts themselves.

Terrell May’s 228 metres run and 42 tackles contribution along with Alex Sayfarth’s 46 tackles were the standouts.

The Dragons were dominated by the Roosters last week after winning their previous two, away to the Sea Eagles and at home to the Titans, but a return to the form against the Sea Eagles would probably get them in the winner’s circle.

Jack De Belin with a game high of 37 tackles and Tyrell Sloane’s two line breaks, brief highlights of a mediocre performance.

It’s not surprising the bookies consider this an arm wrestle.

Stafford To’a has a minor neck injury, so won’t run out for Wests, Charlie Staines will make his 2025 debut on the wing, and Brent Naden moves to centre from the wing.

For St George Corey Allan will make his club debut, Hamish Stewart and Lyhkan King-Togia come back into the starting 13.

Should be a cracker!

As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:

The Harvey Norman Hub
The Westpac Catch & Keep
Red Bull and Levels present
Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station
The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course
The Telstra Trophy Zone
The Hisense Commentary Box

See more about the activations half way down this page.

If you can’t get to Suncorp, the game will be broadcast live on Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is on Saturday, 3 May, at 7:45 p.m.

Wayne Bennett Looking to Extend Unbeaten Magic Round Record Against Struggling Knights

Wayne Bennett has never lost a Magic Round game. He’s 4 from 4 and the bookies think he’s a shoe-in to make it 5 from 5.

Latrell Mitchell is suspended after being cited for a grade 2 on Sualauvi Faalogo in their loss to the Storm , 24-16 last week. The Rabbitohs injury list now includes Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys. The Rabbits are on 3 paws, but the legend that is Wayne Bennett will continue to coax more out of his men.

The Rabbitohs have won three of their past four games without Mitchell so the form line suggests Bennett’s men are the likely winners.

Lewis Dodd will come in at five eighth, Jye Gray will go to fullback, Euan Aitken to centre and Tallis Duncan comes into the back row from the interchange. Fletcher Myers and Lachlan Hubner come into the interchange, Josh Schuster may get a late call up for his Rabbitohs debut.

The Knights have had a very poor start to the season, averaging just over 10 points a game. Jacob Saifiti (prop) and Adam Elliot (interchange) return for the Knights, both having suffered calf injuries. Tyson Frizell will move to lock. Kalyn Ponga will play at this stage and Tyson Gamble will join the Interchange. Former Brisbane student, Dane Gagai will make his NRL 200th appearance after signing for the Knights from Brisbane Boys College.

Last week’s loss at the Warriors, 26-12, once again lacked attacking intent, 16-0 down at half-time. They actually won the second half. Jayden Brailey’s 52 tackles and Greg Marzhew running for 197m were standouts.

See more about the activations half way down this page.

If you can’t get to Suncorp, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 9, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is on Saturday, 3 May, at 3:00 p.m.

Cowboys Unchanged, Looking for 5-in-a-Row Against the Warriors

The Warriors in 4th, cross the ditch to play The Cowboys in 6th. The Cowboys having won their last four, including a thumping of the Titans last week, 50-18.

Robert Derby’s hat-trick (also had four line breaks), Jeremiah Nanai’s pair, and Reece Robson’s game-high 51 tackles being the highlights. Despite the Cowboys only having a completion rate of 76% to the Titans’ 86%, superiority in post contact metres and line breaks (13-4), kick returns (244 m vs 94 m) and tackle breaks (48-18) delivered a very dominant victory.

The Cowboys will be unchanged to take on the Warriors, who will be without Ali Leiataua, after he injured his ankle in a training session on Thursday. Adam Pompey comes into the centres and Edward Kosi goes onto the left wing. Te-Maire Martin joins the Interchange.

Their run to fourth place on the ladder appears to be less impressive than the current form of the Cowboys. Last week’s win against the struggling Knights included the Warriors losing the second half. Their narrow win against the Broncos in New Zealand, after losing heavily on the road to the Storm, and winning two arm wrestles against the Roosters and away to Wests Tigers, whilst many are saying this is one of the matches of the round, the Cowboys look to be favourites.

See more about the activations half way down this page.

If you can’t get to Suncorp, the game will be broadcast live on Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off on Saturday, 3 May, at 5:30 p.m.

Brace for Impact: Metallica Set to Ignite Suncorp Stadium in 2025

Brisbane, mark your calendars. Metallica is bringing its colossal M72 World Tour to Suncorp Stadium this November, as part of their long-awaited return to Australian and New Zealand shores. Known for blistering sets, unmatched energy, and jaw-dropping production, this will be a night to remember for rock and metal fans alike.

Read: Global Tour Brings Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM Ball to Milton

A Tour Like No Other

The M72 World Tour is no ordinary run of shows. Since launching in Amsterdam in April 2023, the tour has already attracted over three million fans across Europe and North America, drawing rave reviews from every corner of the globe.

Critics have called it everything from “a stone-cold stunner of a show” (Detroit News) to “as tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages” (Los Angeles Times). The band’s innovative stage setup features a 360-degree experience, with the stage at one end and a sprawling Snake Pit stretching deep into the audience — putting fans at the heart of the thunder.

And this time, the Aussie leg is getting the full Metallica treatment: six stadium shows, exclusive Enhanced Experiences (including meet and greets, backstage tours, and VIP lounges), and the coveted “I Disappear Ticket,” granting superfans access to all Australian and New Zealand dates. Support comes from two powerhouse acts — Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.

Set List Sneak Peek

While Metallica keeps fans guessing with variations night to night, expect a career-spanning set packed with the following crowd favourites:

Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Unforgiven
Sad But True
Fade to Black
One
Moth Into Flame
Lux Æterna (from their latest album “72 Seasons”)

Expect around 16–18 songs per night, often changing across shows to give fans a fresh experience every time.

Metallica: A Legacy Forged in Metal

Photo credit: CC0/Library of Congress Life/Wikimedia Commons

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. With frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo, the band has sold over 125 million albums worldwide.

Their seminal 1991 self-titled release (commonly known as The Black Album) brought hits like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” to mainstream radio and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. They’ve taken home nine Grammy Awards, multiple MTV and American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

When Were They Last Here?

Metallica last toured Australia in 2019 as part of their WorldWired Tour, though the Oceania leg was cut short due to James Hetfield’s re-entering rehab. Prior to that, they performed across the country in 2013 and 2010, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums with ease. Brisbane’s metal faithful have waited over six years for their return — and the M72 Tour promises to reward that patience in epic fashion.

Notable Anecdotes and Moments

Photo credit: metallica.com/ Brett Murray

James Hetfield has previously described Australia as one of his favourite places to tour, citing the “diehard energy” of Aussie crowds. During their 2010 Brisbane show, they famously let a fan play drums during “Seek & Destroy” — a moment still talked about among the local fanbase.

Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity initiative, which continues through this tour, has raised over $15 million USD since 2017, supporting everything from technical education to disaster relief and food insecurity efforts. A portion of every ticket sold in Brisbane will benefit local charities.

Read: Beyoncé Cowboy Carter Tour: Will Milton See Queen Bey Live in 2025?

Tickets and Info

Tickets go on general sale Monday, 4 November at 12 PM AEST, with multiple pre-sales kicking off earlier. Suncorp Stadium members and local residents will have a head start from 2 PM Friday, 1 November.

For all ticket packages, pre-sale links, and enhanced experience details, visit livenation.com.au.

Whether you’re a diehard member of the Metallica Family or just want to experience one of the greatest live shows in rock history, 12 November 2025 at Suncorp Stadium is the date you don’t want to miss. With Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies opening the night, and Metallica delivering two hours of pure heavy metal mastery, Brisbane is set to shake like never before.

Updated 30-April-2025

Sharks vs Eels to Kick off Magic Round

The Magic Round kicks off with the Sharks and the Eels at Suncorp on Friday night, 2 May. Kick off is at 6:00 p.m.

Expect Caxton Street at it’s liveliest and plenty of branded activations around the stadium entrances.

Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks against former Blues and Kangaroos teammate Jason Ryles’s Eels.

The Sharks had their hearts broken at Leichardt last week. In golden point drama, two dropped goal misses by the Sharks (one was charged down), left it to the 88th minute when Adam Doueihi kicked the winning field goal.

Mawene Hiroti injured his knee for the Sharks aginst the West Sydney Tigers last week and so will be replaced by KL Iro, who is back from a Hamstring injury.

The Eels, coming off a bye, will be without Kelma Tuilagi who is suspended and will be replaced by Charlie Guymer.

William Kennedy is on fire, currently leading the Dally M table.

Mitch Moses vs Nicho Hynes will be a major factor in the game. Josh Addo-Carr averages 1.5 tries per game in the Magic Round (six from four appearances) but the Eels only have until mid-June to secure his place in Cronulla. Sharks Fullback William Kennedy has three tries in Magic Round from three games.

Blayke Bailey’s 367 tackles for the season so far is only just behind the Rabbitohs’ Peter Mamouzelos on 369. Sam Stonestreet currently topping the Sharks try table with six for the season.

Should be a great game to kick off the weekend. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.

The Steeden Ball Exchange will be running across the weekend amongst many other activations. They will trade in your old sports ball for a new size three Steeden football. You can bring an old AFL or NRL footy, basketball, soccer ball, netball or rugby ball and you can walk away with a brand new Steeden size three football.

The atmosphere at Suncorp will be electric but if you can’t make it, Foxtel and Kayo will broadcast the game live.

Suncorp Stadium to Make History with Double NRL Blockbuster

On June 28, Suncorp Stadium in Milton will make Australian sporting history as it transforms into the stage for not one, but two standalone NRL matches in a single day – a logistical and cultural first in the nation’s sporting landscape.

Read: Broncos Without Walsh Need to End the Bulldogs Run

In what promises to be a day to remember for rugby league fans, the Brisbane Broncos will take on the New Zealand Warriors at 3:00 pm, followed by a full stadium reset before the Dolphins meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 7.50 p.m.

While back-to-back footy action at the same ground isn’t uncommon during events like Magic Round, the difference here is significant: two separate ticketed events, two individual crowds, and a complete venue turnaround in between.

The occasion marks an ambitious and unprecedented effort from the NRL, Suncorp Stadium, the participating clubs, and broadcasters. It also provides a creative solution to a season disruption: the Dolphins’ original round one home game against the Rabbitohs had to be relocated to Sydney due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Now, fans in Queensland will get their chance to see the fixture on home turf – albeit in a highly unconventional format.

Following the Broncos-Warriors clash, the stadium will be entirely cleared, allowing for a meticulous rebrand of the venue. From sponsor banners to locker room signage and team-specific dressing, every detail will be updated to reflect the identity of the incoming match. Dolphins members with game access will return to their familiar seats once the stadium reopens.

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps

The dual-game format will also turn the wider Caxton Street precinct into an all-day festival of rugby league. Whether fans opt for just one match or go all in with tickets to both, the area surrounding the stadium is expected to buzz with activity, food, entertainment, and a uniquely Brisbane atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, the operational challenge is immense. Stadium staff, suppliers, and event partners will be working against the clock to reset the venue. Yet, there is a strong sense of excitement and confidence that Suncorp – no stranger to major sporting spectacles – is up to the task. From previous Magic Rounds to navigating natural disasters and hosting global boxing events, the venue has built a reputation for rising to the occasion.

Read: Broncos Looking to Take Care of Struggling Roosters With or Without Reynolds

For members and ticket holders, flexibility has been a key part of the plan. Season members will retain their usual seating entitlements, while partial season holders and those with game-specific tickets have been offered options to secure access through their MyDolphins accounts. General public tickets are also set to go on sale soon, offering fans a chance to witness a milestone in the evolution of live sport in Australia.

June 28 won’t just be another day of rugby league – it will be a bold experiment in event planning, fan engagement, and sporting entertainment. And if all goes to plan, it could pave the way for future multi-game spectacles across the country.

Published 25-April-2025

Reds Without Wilson and Daugunu Hoping to Overcome Brumbies

A tough loss at the Chiefs last weekend interrupted a three-win streak and dislodged Les Kiss’s men from the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, but the Reds will take a lot of positives from the battle across the Tasman. The team’s Talisman, Harry Wilson, however, will be on the sidelines for six weeks after sustaining an arm fracture in the game.

The game in Hamilton has been mentioned by many as a potential preview of the final in a few months, the home advantage nudged the Chiefs over the line. The desperately close slide in unawarded try by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips after a fantastic weaving run by the former Brisbane Boys College student, was a big turning point that, on another day, could have given the Reds the momentum they needed to forge ahead.

Harry Wilson’s grubber for Tom Lynagh’s try was a touch of class from the Wallabies skipper, after the game revolved around huge defence from both sides with multiple arm wrestles on each goal line on a wet track. Eventually the Chiefs got on top in the final quarter, the penalties conceded count for the game 12-7 to the Reds was an area that Les Kiss will want to tighten up for the Brumbies clash.

The Reds will be missing Wilson and Filipo Daugunu, who sustained a minor leg injury in the Brumbies clash.

Joe Brial will replace Wilson in the back row and Tim Ryan comes in for Daugunu on the wing.

Les Kiss says that the centres pairing of Hunter Paisami and Dre Pakeho are developing a very strong partnership.

The game will have two centurions as Brisbane-born Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead (after his deft half volley grubber against the Highlanders to score a try) and Tate McDermott will play their 100th game in Super Rugby. Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will hit their 50th Super Rugby milestone.

Whilst the Brumbies are on top in the recent head to head, winning seven out of the last 12 games between the two sides, Les Kiss will feel the Reds (even without Wilson and Daugunu), can beat a Brumbies side who have won twice away from home this season, at the Blues and the Drua (currently sit in the last two spots of the ladder). An unconvincing win against the struggling Highlanders at home last week makes them underdogs.

The game kicks off at Suncorp at 7:35 p.m. on Friday night.

Broncos Look to Maintain Momentum at Suncorp Against Wests

The Broncos will run out at Suncorp on Saturday night, feeling they are looking like championship contenders under Madge Maguire but also knowing that there’s plenty of scope for improvement.

The 12-20 win last week against the Dolphins in front of a soggy 44,278 fans, was the result of one try for each team in the second half — Gehemat Shibasaki grabbing his second after opening the scoring in the 11th minute, Jake Averillo going over with five minutes to go for the Dolphins.

Kotoni Staggs made a big impression on his first game back, running 122 metres from 15 possessions and scoring a crucial try. Haas and Carrigan ran 142m and 114m respectively. But Shibasaki’s 158m from 17 possessions was a massive shift. Payne Haas led the tackle count with 41, Jensen 38, Paix had 36 and Carrigan had 35.

The Broncos carry a very strong record against the Wests Tigers, 23 wins with 9 losses and 1 draw over the 33 matches played, and currently sit third with a 3 wins, 1 loss record. The Wests Tigers have shown better form this season than recent years and carry a 2-2 record, including a very narrow loss last week to the Warriors, 24-26. In that game Terrell May’s try with 20 minutes left was ruled out by the bunker for dropping the ball over the line, that would have put them two scores ahead with 20 minutes left.

Wests will miss Jarome Luai who got a one match suspension from a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge against the Warriors last week. Adam Doeihi comes back after a groin injury.

Last week Terrell May ran 152 metres and delivered three offloads as well as making 48 tackles for Wests.

It’s a game the Broncos will expect to win, but Benji Marshall will feel his side have a sniff.

Reds Dig Deep to Overcome Force and Top the Table — A Statement Win in Brisbane

The Queensland Reds gave their fans something to cheer about on March 29, grinding out a thrilling 28-24 victory over the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium in a performance that was equal parts grit, flair and composure under pressure.

It wasn’t always pretty. In fact, at times, it was downright scrappy. But in a match full of twists, momentum shifts and standout individual efforts, the Reds showed the sort of resilience that hasn’t always been their hallmark in recent years. The reward? Top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder for the first time since 2012 — a milestone that carries real weight for this resurgent side.

A See-Sawing First Half

The Reds burst out of the blocks with a try to Filipo Daugunu inside the opening five minutes, capitalising on a smart lineout play and catching the Force flat-footed. But the visitors answered in spectacular fashion through front-rower Tom Robertson, who galloped nearly half the field like a runaway back-rower to level the scores and silence the Brisbane faithful.

From there, it was end-to-end action. Young flyer Heremaia Murray crossed next for the Reds, only for Carlo Tizzano — rapidly becoming one of the competition’s most consistent performers — to dot down twice for the Force and push his season tally to a record-breaking 10 tries for a flanker.

Dre Pakeho also found the line for Queensland in an impressive outing, standing in for the injured Hunter Paisami, and Tom Lynagh’s flawless goal-kicking saw the sides locked 21-all at halftime.

The Second-Half Slog

The fireworks slowed in the second stanza as both sides tightened up defensively. A penalty goal from Force playmaker Ben Donaldson nudged the visitors ahead 24-21 with just over 20 minutes to play.

Things looked shaky for the Reds when they lost John Bryant to the bin in the 67th minute, reducing them to 14 men. But rather than wilt, they found another gear — and their general, Tate McDermott, was the man to step up.

Returning from the bench, McDermott sniped off a rolling maul in the 72nd minute to cross for what proved to be the match-winner. Lynagh’s conversion iced the game, and the Reds closed out the final minutes with poise and discipline.

What It Means

This was more than just a win. It was a statement.

Without several of their regular leaders — Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight were rested, and Liam Wright remains sidelined with a shoulder injury — the Reds still managed to steady the ship. Ryan Smith, handed the captain’s armband for the first time, was a calming presence in the pack and stood tall when the side needed direction.

The win also showcased the Reds’ depth. Pakeho impressed with both ball in hand and in defence, while Lynagh’s radar boot was vital in such a tight contest. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t a team relying on a handful of stars — it’s a squad with options, hunger, and belief.

Still Work to Do

Of course, not everything went to plan. The lineout was a glaring issue, with at least 10 opportunities either lost or misfiring. Against stronger sides, those mistakes will hurt. Coach Les Kiss will be keen to address that before they face stiffer tests in the coming rounds.

But when it mattered, the Reds found a way to win — and that’s something they’ve struggled with in seasons past. There’s a steel to this group now, and that bodes well as they head into the back half of the season.

For the Fans

For long-suffering Reds supporters, this season is beginning to feel like a return to the glory days. The team has a spark again — a blend of youth and experience, a game plan that suits their strengths, and players who are standing up in big moments.

Sitting on top of the table isn’t just symbolic — it’s a reminder that the Reds can be contenders again.

And with McDermott back in form, Lynagh kicking with confidence, and a forward pack that doesn’t mind getting dirty, there’s every reason for Queensland fans to believe this side is only just getting started.