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Stadiums Queensland's newly released annual report for the 2023/24 financial year has reported a record year welcoming 5.8 million patrons across the agency’s nine venues.

The report also showed that the venues contributed $1.7 billion in Gross State Product (GSP) to the Queensland economy, as well as providing an estimated 7,012 full me equivalent (FTE) jobs directly, and 5,405 FTE jobs supported through flow-on activity across the industry.

It also noted that 350,000 patrons used the venues for high performance sport events and development, a 95% satisfaction rating among stakeholders in an annual survey and that 71 tonnes of material was recycled through the Containers for Change program. 

Writing in the annual report, Stadiums Queensland (SQ) Chair, Cathy McGuane advised “our commitment to providing outstanding experiences is evident in the 5.8 million attendees across our venues, the highest ever recorded.

“Highlights include record-breaking crowds at Suncorp Stadium for the NRL Magic Round and Women’s State of Origin, and successful events like Monster Jam at Cbus Super Stadium, Test cricket at The Gabba, and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Cup at SSC.

“(In addition) our focus on high-performance training remains strong, especially with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Our venues saw a 14% increase in visitation by high performance athletes this year, highlighting the importance of our facilities in nurturing talent for Australia’s future Olympic and Paralympic successes.”

McGuane particularly praised the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, noting that the venue “had the privilege of hosting global pop icon P!NK, marking the last concerts of her Australian tour.

“Hosting such a major event underscored the significance of the venue, attracting around 65,000 attendees across two sold-out shows - our largest crowds to date.

“The event generated significant attention for Townsville, drawing approximately 20,000 visitors from outside Queensland and injecting $39.8 million in GSP into the local economy.

“This stadium was originally built in 2020 to foster investment, tourism, job creation, and urban renewal. Since then, we’ve successfully delivered world-class events, including the NRL State of Origin, rugby internationals and a Matilda’s international.”

Looking ahead to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, McGuane added “our focus on world-class training and event facilities is stronger than ever.

“We are advancing key projects like the new Chandler Indoor Sports Centre and contributing to designs for Brisbane Arena (Brisbane Live), as well as upgrades at The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, and QSAC.”

The annual report also saw Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive, Todd Harris highlighted the role of the venues in developing athletes, commenting “our venues are dual purpose, serving high performance athletes as well as the community, offering access to first-class facilities.

“While the athletes were smashing world records and qualifying for Olympic and Paralympic competition at the Australian Swimming Trials, our team of 35 staff put in around 2,000 hours to set the stage, prepare the pool deck and host a terrific event.

“The Australian Swimming Trials and UCI BMX World Cup exemplify the diverse offerings across our venue portfolio at SQ.

“The same venues that hosted these world-class events also nurture the next generation of medallists while offering the community opportunities to participate in various sports and maintain fitness and health through access to international-standard amenities. 

“Our venues are a place of community, connection and opportunity.”

Stadiums Queensland venue 2023/24 highlights: 

• Queensland Country Bank Stadium hosted two sold out P!NK concerts, attracting the venue’s largest ever crowd attendance.

• Sleeman Sports Complex (SSC) hosted the highly anticipated 2024 Australian Swimming Trials, the sole selection meet for the Australian Dolphins swim team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Paris 2024).  

• Cbus Super Stadium hosted Freestyle Kings and Monster Jam motor sport events for the first me. 

• Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) hosted 85 Main Arena performances. 

• Suncorp Stadium hosted eight games for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament. 

• Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) welcomed the Australian Women’s Football Team as they established their home training base at the venue during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

• The Gabba delivered three Brisbane Broncos NRL fixtures during the FIFA Women’s World Cup period - the first rugby league fixtures hosted at the venue in 67 years. 

• People First Stadium hosted Sir Paul McCartney and P!NK’s concerts on the Gold Coast.

• Queensland Tennis Centre (QTC) hosted the return of the Brisbane International as well as The Billie Jean King Cup.

Click here to view the annual report.

Images (from top): P!Nk at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast is now known as the People First Stadium (credit: Gold Coast SUNS), the Matildas in action at Suncorp Stadium during the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup (credit: Austrade) and the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials at the Sleeman Sports Complex (credit: Fluidra).

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