Suncorp Stadium in Milton is set for a major transformation as part of Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with experts and sporting figures pointing to 65,000 seats as the ideal capacity for the iconic venue.
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State officials recently confirmed that Queensland would move ahead with an upgrade of the 52,500-seat stadium rather than building a new rectangular venue. The plan aims to enhance the fan experience and modernise facilities that have seen limited updates since the early 2000s.
Former Queensland premier and current NRL Commissioner Peter Beattie, who oversaw the last major redevelopment two decades ago, has argued that expanding to 65,000 seats would secure Suncorp’s position among the world’s best rectangular stadiums. He noted that the increase could be achieved without demolishing the existing structure, instead by extending tiers and reconfiguring concourses.
A capacity of 65,000, he said, represents the largest possible expansion within Suncorp’s current footprint while maintaining its strong viewing angles and atmosphere. The figure also aligns with international standards, as many top-tier venues in the United Kingdom and the United States hold between 60,000 and 70,000 spectators.
Examples include Liverpool’s Anfield, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, which each seat around 60,000 to 62,000 fans. In the United States, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis have similar capacities, making them benchmarks for global event hosting.
An expanded Suncorp Stadium could boost Brisbane’s standing as a global destination for major concerts and sporting events. Beattie suggested that a 65,000-seat venue could help attract international artists who have previously bypassed Brisbane for larger venues in Sydney and Melbourne.
The upgrade could also strengthen Queensland’s claim as Australia’s rugby league heartland. With the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Reds, and national soccer fixtures all calling the venue home, a higher capacity would allow more fans to experience marquee events such as the NRL’s Magic Round and State of Origin clashes.
Beyond sport, the proposal has been framed as a long-term investment in Queensland’s visitor economy. A larger stadium would draw more crowds to Milton’s cafes, pubs, and restaurants, especially along Caxton Street, generating extra economic activity for local businesses.
Beattie has also floated the idea of installing a retractable roof, similar to designs seen in Vancouver and Frankfurt, to ensure Brisbane remains competitive for year-round events regardless of weather conditions.
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As planning progresses, the 65,000-seat proposal appears to strike a balance between ambition and practicality—large enough to host global spectacles, yet achievable within the stadium’s existing site and urban context.
Published 10-October-2025
