Designs Revealed For Brisbane’s 63,000 Seat Olympic Stadium At Victoria Park

Designs have been unveiled for Brisbane’s proposed 63,000 seat Olympic stadium at Victoria Park, with a global architectural consortium confirmed to deliver the $3.8 billion venue ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Queensland and federal governments have approved a design team led by Australian founded firms COX and Hassell, partnering with Japanese stadium specialist Azusa Sekkei, marking the first major step toward construction of Brisbane’s future premier sporting and entertainment venue.

The appointment follows a three month procurement process overseen by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and brings together architects with a strong track record in major stadium projects. The consortium previously delivered Perth’s Optus Stadium, the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and the 2006 Melbourne Cricket Ground upgrade, while Azusa Sekkei has designed more than 120 stadiums worldwide, including Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the stadium would be inspired by Queensland’s architectural identity and serve as a long term asset well beyond the Games.

“The games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape,” King said. “Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during the Games.”

She said the venue was intended to become a landmark destination for global sport and entertainment.

“The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as home ground for local sports stars the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come,” King said.

Early renderings indicate the stadium would feature a prominent wrap around rooftop LED screen and a seating bowl that is largely under cover. The design also shows the stadium positioned within a horseshoe shaped pedestrian spine, linking Victoria Park to the CBD via one existing pedestrian bridge and a new proposed crossing. Additional renderings suggest external facing screens integrated into the stadium’s facade, allowing for external spectator participation during major events.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the announcement marked a turning point in restoring confidence and momentum in Queensland’s Olympic delivery.

“The Crisafulli Government is working to restore confidence and momentum, ensuring the 2032 Games will be something every Queenslander can be proud of,” Bleijie said.

He said the design vision reflected Queensland’s lifestyle and character while positioning the stadium as a long term piece of infrastructure.

“COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei have developed a design concept that celebrates the best of our unique Queensland lifestyle and character in a truly magnificent vision for our stadium,” he said. “The team is in place to see the stadium come to life in design and construction over the next few years and ensure the new Brisbane Stadium will be the pride of Queensland beyond 2032.”

Speaking publicly following the design reveal, Bleijie said preliminary works were already underway at Victoria Park, with earthworks expected to begin mid year and construction anticipated to commence early next year.

“The drilling is already happening. Now we get on with the job,” he said. “We get the earthworks completed and you’re going to see construction early next year.”

He said the stadium would become the future home of the Brisbane Lions and a key cricket venue after the Games, as well as a major concert destination.

“We are losing concerts and other sporting events to other states because we don’t have the facilities in Queensland,” Bleijie said. “Just before 2032, we will.”

COX Architecture director and chair Richard Coulson said the design approach was intentionally restrained, drawing on Queensland’s climate, landscape and architectural traditions rather than overt spectacle.

“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander,” Coulson said. “We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region.”

He said Victoria Park’s topography and open landscape had been central to the early design response.

“With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium,” Coulson said. “The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish.”

Hassell managing principal Lucy O’Driscoll said the stadium was being designed to support a wide range of uses beyond major international events.

“This design goes beyond just meeting the needs of major international events by ensuring the venue can be adapted for a wide variety of sporting and cultural uses,” she said. “It will not only deliver a world class experience for athletes and fans but provide Brisbane with a vital piece of sporting infrastructure of true global calibre.”

The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events during the 2032 Games, before transitioning into Brisbane’s primary large scale venue for AFL, cricket, concerts and major entertainment events.

Two global engineering firms, Arup and sbp, will also be involved in the project, supporting the design of the stadium’s roof and structural systems. Early design and project validation work is now set to begin under GIICA, as the project progresses toward detailed design and construction.