A fan-first approach to Brisbane Stadium design
Watch the video below to hear from Lucy O’Driscoll, Project Director at COX + Hassell, about what makes a great stadium and how these lessons are being applied to the Brisbane Stadium design
Few, if any, sporting venues in Queensland are as well-loved by fans as Brisbane’s rectangular stadium, Suncorp Stadium.
Famous for ‘no bad seats’, its cauldron atmosphere and clear sightlines have inspired the next generation of stadium design.
As planning progresses for the state’s new oval stadium, Brisbane Stadium, the learnings from Suncorp are helping inform how the Victoria Park venue can create a strong sense of connection.
Successful venues are designed around the people who experience them. This starts with consideration of design elements such as the seating bowl, where thoughtful geometry, inclined tiers and uninterrupted sightlines help bring people closer to the action, even in a large-scale venue.
That connection extends beyond the field of play. Plazas, concourses and surrounding public spaces shape the fan experience before and after events, providing places for people to gather, move easily and stay connected to the wider city.
Designing a modern stadium also requires balancing architectural identity with performance. Venues need to feel distinctive, while delivering the fundamental back-of-house facilities for athletes and performers that are comfortable, accessible, safe and provide efficient movement. It’s also important amenities provide high-quality facilities for fans and event organisers.
Artist impression render
Local conditions also play an important role. Orientation, natural light, shade and ventilation all contribute to creating a comfortable and energy-efficient venue suited to Queensland’s climate.
For Brisbane Stadium, the focus is on delivering a venue that is flexible for various sports and events, welcoming and built to support long-term community use. It will be designed to host major sporting and entertainment events, while the surrounding areas in Victoria Park can be activated on non-event days to support year-round use.
By combining strong atmosphere, comfort and adaptability with a clear sense of place, Brisbane Stadium has the opportunity to create lasting memories for Queenslanders and visitors alike.
