Stadiums Queensland’s (SQ) venues have rounded out a blockbuster year hosting everything from grassroots sport to global events, welcoming more than 5.2 million patrons through the doors and solidifying Queensland's reputation as the leading destination for major events.
Queensland was confirmed as the county’s sporting capital as the home ground of premiers in the NRL, NRLW, AFL, and runners up in the AFLW, alongside sporting highlights including: a record Women’s State of Origin crowd, a sell-out Magic Round; the Brisbane Broncos boasting the largest home attendance in the NRL; a sold-out Brisbane Lions semi-final; and the second highest attended Test in The Gabba’s history, with the return of The Ashes.
The versatility of SQ venues was on full display with a range of major entertainment, including: Jelly Roll’s biggest headline stadium show outside of the US; Nitro Circus’ adrenaline filled night of flips; a near capacity crowd for the FIM World Super Cross Championship; and two huge Monster Jam shows.
2025 also proved a huge year for SQ’s community training and high-performance, with incredible performances from athletes who train at SQ venues including Gout Gout, Matt Denny, and winter Olympic hopefuls – Jakara Anthony and Laura Peel to name just a few.
Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander said that Queensland’s blockbuster year further cemented the states prolific sporting legacy.
“Queensland is the undeniable home of Australian sport, and the country’s leader for major events,” Minister Mander said.
“NRL, NRLW and AFL premierships, a massive State of Origin win, and a dominant Ashes test match was more than enough evidence to the other states that we are a force to be reckoned with."
“Queenslanders showed up in massive numbers this year to watch our teams dominate, and with a massive catalogue of sport coming up for Queensland in 2026, we can’t wait to welcome more visitors to the home of Australian sport.”
SQ Chief Executive Todd Harris said the SQ team had been working diligently behind the scenes to deliver a wide variety of events, functions, and community gatherings.
“SQ venues are a source of pride for Queenslanders, underpinning great memories and bringing communities together,” Mr Harris said.
“Queensland’s ability to host world-class events shows exactly why we are increasingly becoming the home of major sports and entertainment in Australia.”
“Despite challenges that impacted SQ venues through the year such as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, our team’s resilience and agility reaffirmed our leadership in live entertainment and our vital role in Queensland’s economy.”
“It’s great to see one-third of patrons accessing our venues for community use, showing that our venues really are for all Queenslanders.”
SQ venues are gearing up for another thrilling year of world-class events, with several high-profile events already locked in 2026, including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Rugby League World Cup, AFC Women’s Asia Cup, Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, UCI BMX World Championships, Women’s State of Origin deciders, two Wallabies Nations Championship matches, as well as regular NRL, AFL and BBL seasons.