The LNP government has announced plans for the largest upgrade to Lang Park in its 23 years, featuring greater capacity, wraparound screens, and new entertainment zones ahead of next week’s budget.
The upgrades, which will be paid for through the Queensland government’s Legacy Fund, will include supersized scoreboards, a 360-degree wraparound LED ribbon board suspended from the roof, and two tennis court-sized media mesh screens.
On the night of State of Origin Game II, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said Lang Park “belongs to Queenslanders”.
“We’re giving it the love it deserves so it’s up to scratch for a growing state,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We’re adding new video screens, more capacity, new bars and entertainment zones, so whether you’re here for Origin, the Rugby World Cup, major concerts, you’ll have an unforgettable experience for years to come.”
The upgrades will include a capacity increase. (Supplied)
The planned upgrades to the 52,500-seat stadium also include new terraced areas behind the goals at both ends of the stadium and new entertainment zones with standing areas within the seating bowl and concourse.
Earlier this year, the LNP announced a temporary increase to the number of concerts that can be held at the stadium, from 12 up to 21 a year.
Tourism and Acting Sport and Racing Minister, Andrew Powell said the stadium played a central role in the major events calendar.
“These upgrades will ensure it remains a fortress for our home teams and a magnet for some of the biggest events on the planet,” he said.
Lang Park has played host to some of the biggest musicians in the world including AC/DC, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Taylor Swift.
It will also be central to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The stadium hosts multiple sporting and music events every year. (Supplied)
Design work has begun on the upgrades to The Cauldron, which take inspiration from stadiums around the world.
Stadiums Queensland CEO Todd Harris said investment in the stadium was key to ensuring it keeps up with demand of a growing number of internationally significant events.
“This will further enhance the venue’s ability to host the world’s biggest events, and we are pleased to be working with the Queensland government and other partners to deliver these works, as part of investment in the Stadiums Queensland portfolio,” Mr Harris said.
Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, who calls Lang Park the team’s “spiritual home” welcomed the announcement.
“Our position was made clear when Adam Reynolds spoke on Grand Final night last year — our members and fans and Queenslanders in general deserve a world-class game-day experience, and these upgrades will ensure Suncorp Stadium [Lang Park] continues to provide amazing experiences for the next generation of fans and their families,” he said.
“I’m excited about what this project will deliver for Broncos members, fans and of course, our athletes.”
Once design works are completed, the upgrade will go out for tender, with construction expected to begin towards the end of the year.
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