The field of dreams – and the story behind it
Also referred to as Brisbane Football Stadium and Suncorp Stadium, Lang Park was named after a Scottish-born politician and supporter of Australian independence. A former cemetery designated as a recreation ground in 1911 and opened three years later, Lang Park was initially given over to rugby league.
The great stars of Brisbane’s most popular sport who played here surround the stadium in statue form – this was also where the first State of Origin game took place in 1980.
A sponsorship deal in 1994 with Queensland financiers Suncorp helped provide the wherewithal for the subsequent redevelopment that allowed Lang Park – renamed Suncorp Stadium – to be reconfigured into a true home of rugby and soccer. Certainly, the Socceroos enjoyed their AFC Asian Cup quarter-final against China here in 2015, before going to lift the trophy in Sydney. The Matildas welcomed Canada to Lang Park for a friendly in 2022.
England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and South Africa all attracted near 50,000 crowds here for the Rugby World Cup in 2003, while six-time Premiership winners, the Brisbane Broncos, and State of Origin team, the Queensland Maroons, and their fans, are regular tenants.
So, until 2020, were A-League side Brisbane Roar, who won back-to-back A-League Grand Finals here in 2011 and 2012. Moving back in 2022, The Roar brought with them their fans who gather in the lower tiers of the North Stand, between sectors 330 and 334, aka The Den. Visiting supporters are usually allocated sector 317, at the south end of the impressive three-tier East Stand, with its strip of hospitality boxes. There are more corporate boxes in the main West Stand alongside Castlemaine Street. Sightlines are superb and proximity to the pitch is a given.
Capacity is 52,500, making this the second-biggest arena hosting the Women’s World Cup after Stadium Australia.
getting there
Going to the stadium – tips and timings
The network of Translink buses runs on a top-up go card (online or from retailers, refundable A$10). Tap in when you board, tap out when you alight.
On match days for the Women’s World Cup, ticket holders may travel for free on public transport.
A special shuttle bus service to the stadium runs from Ann Street (stop 7) opposite Central Station and from Ann Street (stop 12) at City Hall.
By regular public transport, a frequent train from Brisbane Central to Milton station takes 5mins. The stadium is a 10min walk away, the other side of the brewery. Bus 470 from Ann Street stop 9 near Central Station goes to Milton Road at Suncorp, stop 4, by the stadium – buses 61 and 375 to Caxton Street (near Chapel St, stop 4) from Roma Street Busway/Roma Street bus 121 bring you to the north end.
Where to Drink
Pre-match beers for fans and casual visitors
On Caxton Road approaching the home north end of Lang Park, the bare-brick Brewski Bar offers its thirsty customers 12 beers on tap, rotated every day, and 600 by the bottle.
Next door’s award-winning Caxton Hotel has more than 150 years in the hospitality trade behind it, 25 of them in the capable hands of the current owners, the Farquhar family. Pre- and post-match, the Terrace Bar, The Press Box and The Cauldron fill with sports fans, while discerning diners convene at its top-notch Char Grill Restaurant.
Beyond Caxton Street on Given Terrace, tasteful Darling & Co offers a match-day menu of pizzas, burgers and vegetable shawarmas, along with its regular high-end spirits, wines and cocktails.
Across Castlemaine Street from the West Stand, Brisbane craft brewers Newstead oversee a Brewhouse and Tasting Room, each with a full menu as well as beers brewed fresh on-site.
