Brisbane is in desperate need of a second rectangular stadium.

Suncorp Stadium, with a capacity of 52,000 patrons, is classified as a multiple purpose venue - also hosting concerts throughout the year. Up until the recently, there were strong restrictions on the number of non sporting events the stadium could host however this has been changed, and with it the availability of the venue and the playing surface have both become issues for sporting teams in Brisbane.

Brisbane Roar has recently had to move its three Asian Champions League home matches to CBus stadium in Robina, over 1.5 hours travel each way for most Brisbane based supporters. It has also had many venue unavailability issues in regard to scheduling of regular home and away season fixtures. Suncorp Stadium was also criticised quite heavily during the recent Asian Cup for a pitch that was not maintained to the required standard - partly due to over use of the playing field by both sporting and non sporting events.

There is also a cost of hire issue with the venue. Whilst it is a first class facility, the hire cost makes it unattractive to sporting teams/events who do not attract large crowds, but do however attract significantly more numbers than any of the existing local stadiums can handle.

A new rectangular stadium near to the Brisbane CBD could be used to host a number of great sporting events throughout the year. If the capacity was capped at around 20,000-23,000 seats It would be the perfect venue for:

1. Brisbane Roar home and away season fixtures
2. All Brisbane based FFA cup matches
3. Hosting of the Silver boot - A pre-season cup for Brisbane based Football teams
4. Hosting of many NPL and BPL matches, including finals - ranging from junior to senior football.
5. Hosting of Rubgy League pre-season fixtures
6. Hosting of Football pre-season fixtures
7. Smaller events which are not economically viable to host currently at Suncorp Stadium.

There are a few places around the Brisbane CBD fringe that would be appropriate, including Perry Park which ticks most of the boxes:
It has easy access to public transport - Bowen Hills train station.
It is on the CBD fringe.
It is an existing sporting venue, in desperate need of an upgrade.
It has a land footprint large enough to build a stadium without having to reclaim land or modify existing infrastructure.
It has current tenants that could continue to hire commercial space within a new stadium building.
It has existing infrastructure around it, meaning local businesses would benefit from weekend and midweek use of the stadium.
The area is not highly residential, meaning minimal impact on nearby residents.

We call upon the Queensland State Government and Brisbane City Council to help facilitate the construction a second rectangular stadium to ensure that sport does not suffer as the city continues to grow into the future, putting more and more strain on Suncorp Stadium and it's ability to meet the requirements of all Brisbane's representative sporting teams.