Stadiums Queensland has unveiled its annual report for the 2023/24 fiscal year, revealing a historic milestone with 5.8 million visitors across the agency’s nine venues. The report highlighted that these venues provided a substantial contribution of $1.7 billion in Gross State Product (GSP) to the economy of Queensland, while also creating around 7,012 full-time equivalent […]
Stadiums Queensland has unveiled its annual report for the 2023/24 fiscal year, revealing a historic milestone with 5.8 million visitors across the agency’s nine venues.
The report highlighted that these venues provided a substantial contribution of $1.7 billion in Gross State Product (GSP) to the economy of Queensland, while also creating around 7,012 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs directly, along with 5,405 FTE jobs supported indirectly through related activities in the sector.
Additionally, it was indicated that 350,000 visitors leveraged the venues for high-performance sports events and development, achieving a 95% satisfaction rating from stakeholders in an annual survey, and that 71 tonnes of materials were recycled via the Containers for Change initiative.
In the annual report commentary, Stadiums Queensland (SQ) Chair, Cathy McGuane stated, “our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences is reflected in the attendance of 5.8 million at our venues, the largest number ever recorded.
“Noteworthy events included record-setting crowds at Suncorp Stadium for the NRL Magic Round and Women’s State of Origin, plus successful shows such as Monster Jam at Cbus Super Stadium, Test cricket at The Gabba, and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Cup at SSC.
“Furthermore, our emphasis on elite training is robust, especially in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Our venues experienced a 14% rise in visits by high-performance athletes this year, underscoring the facilities’ role in cultivating Australia’s future Olympic and Paralympic talents.”
McGuane specifically commended the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, pointing out that the venue “had the honor of hosting global music sensation P!NK, marking her final concert stops in Australia.
“Such a significant event highlighted the venue’s importance, attracting about 65,000 guests over two sold-out performances – the largest attendance we have seen to date.
“This occasion brought considerable visibility to Townsville, luring approximately 20,000 visitors from outside Queensland and contributing $39.8 million in GSP to the local economy.
“Built in 2020 to enhance investment, tourism, job opportunities, and urban revitalization, this stadium has successfully hosted world-class events like the NRL State of Origin, international rugby matches, and a Matildas international.”
Looking forward to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, McGuane emphasized, “our dedication to premier training and event facilities has never been stronger.
“We are progressing key initiatives like the new Chandler Indoor Sports Centre and aiding in designs for Brisbane Arena (Brisbane Live), along with enhancements at The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, and QSAC.”
The annual report also featured Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive, Todd Harris, who underscored the venues’ role in athlete development, stating, “our venues serve a dual purpose, not only catering to elite athletes but also to the community, providing access to top-tier facilities.
“While athletes were breaking world records and securing spots for Olympic and Paralympic events at the Australian Swimming Trials, our team of 35 staff dedicated about 2,000 hours to prepare the venue, set up the pool deck, and host a spectacular event.
“The Australian Swimming Trials and UCI BMX World Cup showcase the variety of events within our venue portfolio at SQ.
“These same venues that held world-class competitions also nurture the next wave of medalists while offering community members opportunities for sports participation and maintaining health through access to international-standard facilities.
“Our venues are hubs of community, connection, and opportunity.”
Stadiums Queensland’s 2023/24 highlights include:
• Queensland Country Bank Stadium hosted two sold-out P!NK concerts, drawing the largest audience in the venue’s history.
• Sleeman Sports Complex (SSC) held the eagerly awaited 2024 Australian Swimming Trials, the only selection event for the Australian Dolphins swim team before the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Cbus Super Stadium featured Freestyle Kings and Monster Jam motor sports for the first time.
• Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) showcased 85 Main Arena performances.
• Suncorp Stadium was the venue for eight matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament.
• Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) served as the home training base for the Australian Women’s Football Team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
• The Gabba hosted three Brisbane Broncos NRL games during the FIFA Women’s World Cup period, marking the first rugby league matches at the venue in 67 years.
• People First Stadium welcomed Sir Paul McCartney and P!NK for concerts on the Gold Coast.
• Queensland Tennis Centre (QTC) hosted the return of the Brisbane International and the Billie Jean King Cup.
Click here to access the annual report.
Images (from top): P!Nk at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast now known as People First Stadium (credit: Gold Coast SUNS), the Matildas competing at Suncorp Stadium during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (credit: Austrade), and the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials at Sleeman Sports Complex (credit: Fluidra).
Related Articles
6th December 2024 – Backers revive plans for key Brisbane 2032 Games venues at Victoria Park
5th December 2024 – Queensland Academy of Sport announced as location for Cycling Centre of Excellence
2nd December 2024 – ABC report scrutinizes ASM Global’s management of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium
18th November 2024 – Queensland tourism awards recognize exceptional effort and innovation
2nd November 2024 – Australia’s first electric powered ground roller put to use at The Gabba
31st October 2024 – Ticketek renews Suncorp Stadium partnership
28th October 2024 – New Queensland Premier to deliver changed plan for main venue for Brisbane Olympics
30th August 2024 – Stadiums Queensland websites set for updating
27th August 2024 – New Venue General Manager appointed at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
12th August 2024 – Crowd violence erupts during Suncorp Stadium NRL clash
21st June 2024 – Australian Swimming Trials draw the crowds to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre
31st May 2024 – Concept designs released for Chandler Sport Precinct’s $257 million makeover
18th March 2024 – Queensland Government rejects key Olympic venues review recommendations in favor of QSAC and Suncorp Stadium upgrades
18th March 2024 – Queensland Government’s Brisbane Olympics venues review recommends scrapping of Gabba rebuild
11th March 2024 – Change of name for Gold Coast’s Heritage Bank Stadium
15th December 2023 – Ticketmaster announces new partnership with Cbus Super Stadium and extension of Stadiums Queensland relationship
6th October 2023 – Stadiums Queensland venues hosted record 4.9 million patrons through 2022/23 financial year
30th March 2023 – KOJO secures fan experience production partnership contract for Stadiums Queensland venues
22nd January 2023 – Stadiums Queensland trials reusable drinking cups at venues
28th August 2022 – Cbus Super Stadium recruiting additional 40 hospitality and event staff for KISS concert
6th July 2022 – MSL Solutions secures Stadiums Queensland POS contract for The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium
31st December 2021 – Stadiums Queensland reaches 20th anniversary of operations
25th September 2021 – Queensland Country Bank Stadium generates $70 million in economic benefits for Townsville
13th September 2017 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre welcomes successful Ariana Grande concert
1st May 2014 – Queensland Tennis Centre welcomes new operators
8th February 2021 – Brisbane to host 2026 UCI BMX Supercross World Championships
31st October 2023 – Australia’s Nation Brand showcased globally during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
9th October 2023 – Re-designed BMX Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex aligns with international trends
3rd September 2023 – Sleeman Sports Complex to host inaugural FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix Series
22nd July 2021 – Rebuilt Gabba and new Brisbane Live arena the key developments for 2032 Olympic Games hosting
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you’re here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that – if you don’t already do so – you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
