Suncorp Stadium has celebrated its 30-year naming anniversary.
As part of celebrating the milestone, Suncorp Group has reflected on three decades of significant events that have impacted the Queensland community and reinforced its commitment to the venue.
The partnership between Suncorp, Stadiums Queensland, and operator ASM Global began in 1994, establishing one of the longest such partnerships in Australia and globally.
Following major renovations, the former Lang Park, known as “The Cauldron,” was renamed Suncorp-Metway Stadium.
During the 1990s, the stadium hosted numerous Rugby League clashes between the Queensland Maroons, including notable player Wally Lewis, and the New South Wales Blues. In 1999, additional upgrades were made to position Suncorp Stadium as a leading venue for international events.
A significant renovation in 2003 allowed Suncorp Stadium to host nine matches of the Rugby World Cup.
The venue’s first concert post-redevelopment featured British pop star Robbie Williams in 2006. The stadium also hosted the semi-final and final of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
In early 2011, Suncorp Stadium was severely affected by Brisbane’s historic floods, with water levels reaching the sixth row of seats.
The stadium operated on generators for six months, with temporary changerooms in the car park. Major rectification works and a flood mitigation plan were developed, helping the stadium quickly recover from future floods, including those in 2022.
Ahead of the NRL Grand Final in Brisbane in 2021, Suncorp extended its naming rights for up to 10 more years.
Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston and Queensland Rugby League legend Johnathan Thurston celebrated the extension with a behind-the-scenes tour.
“Suncorp Stadium has been home to sporting battles, epic concerts, and it even withstood the 2011 floods. It is part of our Queensland way of life and that’s why we’ve been a proud partner of the stadium for over 25 years,” Johnston said.
As of 2024, Suncorp Stadium boasts full membership, with a waitlist for 2025. In 2023, the stadium welcomed its 22 millionth patron since the 2003 redevelopment.
The venue continues to host national and international Rugby League and Rugby Union events, along with global entertainment acts, such as P!nk (2024), Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ed Sheeran (2023), Guns N’ Roses (2022), Taylor Swift (2021), and Phil Collins (2019).
Aside from celebrating Suncorp Stadium’s naming anniversary, Suncorp recently launched a new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2024-2026 as part of its commitment to reconciliation in Australia.
