Celebrating 30 years of Suncorp Stadium

1994 – the beginning of Suncorp’s enduring partnership

Suncorp’s 30-year partnership with owner, Stadiums Queensland, and operator, ASM Global, is one of the longest in Australia and globally.  

In 1994, after extensive renovations, the stadium formerly known as Lang Park (and nicknamed ‘The Cauldron’) was officially renamed Suncorp-Metway Stadium.  

The 1990’s saw many Rugby League battles between the Queensland Maroons (notably with star player Wally Lewis) and the New South Wales Blues. 

In 1999, further upgrades were made to the grounds to elevate the Suncorp Stadium to ‘world class’ status, ready to host international sporting and music events with pride. 

2003 onwards – a renovated stadium worthy of hosting the Rugby World Cup & music icons 

After a significant renovation, Suncorp Stadium was ready to host nine games of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.  

In 2006 the stadium held its first concert since the redevelopment, welcoming British pop star Robbie Williams. 

In 2008, the international events continued, with Suncorp Stadium hosting both the semi-final and final of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. 

2011 – surviving the historic floods that inundated Brisbane 

In early 2011, Suncorp Stadium was significantly impacted by the unprecedented floods that devastated Brisbane, with water levels rising two metres, to the sixth row of seats. 

The stadium ran on generators for six months, and changerooms were temporarily relocated to the car park. In the changing rooms today, there’s a marker indicating where the flood waters came up to.  

Queenslanders’ resilient spirit persevered, and a photo circulated of the Wally Lewis statue outside the stadium decked out in floaties, a scuba mask and snorkel.  

Major rectification works were undertaken, and a flood mitigation procedure was developed to ensure future impacts would be less destructive (in the aftermath of the 2022 floods the stadium was able to return to normal operations after eight days). 

2021 – extension of naming rights 

On the eve of the historic NRL Grand Final week in Brisbane in 2021, Suncorp announced it had extended stadium naming-rights for up to 10 more years.

In celebration of the announcement, Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston toured ‘behind the scenes’ of the stadium with Queensland Rugby League great Johnathan Thurston. 

“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,” Mr Johnston said in 2021 after announcing the naming rights extension. 

Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham also said at the time: “I’m delighted that our wonderful partnership is being extended for up to 10 more years. Both brands are synonymous with quality and the relationship typifies the strong community bond and connection we both share. 

“There’s a whole generation who have never known the stadium by any other name than Suncorp Stadium. 

“Suncorp’s sponsorship has helped ensure the stadium retains its status as one of the most exciting and entertaining stadiums on the planet.” 

2024 - Suncorp Stadium continues to deliver unforgettable sporting and entertainment moments 

Today in 2024, Suncorp Stadium enjoys full stadium membership (there is a waitlist for 2025 memberships) and record numbers of attendees. In 2023, Suncorp Stadium welcomed its 22 millionth patron since its 2003 redevelopment. It hosts rounds within national and international Rugby League and Rugby Union premierships and championships and continues to attract 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) for sold-out performances.