Premier David Crisafulli says upgrades to Suncorp Stadium are a “very high” priority and evaluations are under way to consider further venue capacity.
“I’m not talking about just normal bare bones maintenance, I’m talking about a proper investment into the stadium,” Crisafulli said ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster NRL preliminary final.
The premier said there would “need to be an investment ahead of [the] 2032” Olympics.
An artist’s impression of planned upgrades to Suncorp Stadium under the previous Labor government, showing new screens.Credit: GIICA RTI
“I don’t think Suncorp at the moment is at the level it should be,” he said.
“It’s a great venue and it’s part of who we are as a state … there will be additional funding to Suncorp over and above.
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“We do believe that when the eyes of the world are on us, we have to make sure that there’s a new stadium that’s world class, but our existing venues also have to be the best they can be.”
The former state government had planned upgrades for the 52,500-seat venue in its Olympic plan, but a right-to-information request from Brisbane Times revealed the stadium had not been set to change dramatically.
Crisafulli said Sports Minister Tim Mander was already assessing changes to Lang Park, which last underwent major renovations in 2011 to repair significant flood damage, and works were “under way” on potential upgrades.
“I’m not talking about just normal bare bones maintenance as in depreciation maintenance, I’m talking about a proper investment in the stadium,” he said.
“There are a number of venues in this state that aren’t at the level where they should be, and we should use the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an opportunity to have that finish line.”
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