A major milestone has been announced for Brisbane’s Olympic future, with the Principal Architects for the new Brisbane Stadium revealed. Designed as a city-shaping legacy project, the stadium will be located within Victoria Park and is set to become Queensland’s premier sporting and entertainment venue ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project will be led by COX Architecture and Hassell, in collaboration with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei, following a competitive international procurement process run by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
A ‘Queensland Response’ to Stadium Design
The winning design approach has been described as a “Queensland Response”, drawing inspiration from the state’s iconic Queenslander homes. Key architectural themes include openness, verandah-style edges, connection to landscape, shade, cooling breezes and long views — principles that aim to reflect Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle.
Rather than dominating the park, the stadium will be embedded into the rolling topography of Victoria Park, allowing surrounding parklands to remain accessible while enhancing the experience for both event-goers and everyday park users.
Experience-Driven and Community-Focused
Once complete, the Brisbane Stadium will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics events during the 2032 Games, before transitioning into legacy mode as Brisbane’s main stadium. The stadium is intended to become the long-term home ground for the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.
Project Details
Location: Victoria Park, Brisbane
Cost: $3.785 billion
Use: Major sporting and entertainment stadium
Olympic Role:
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Athletics venue for the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Capacity: 60,000 (Games mode), 63,000 (legacy mode).
Sports:
Olympic athletics, opening/closing ceremonies
Legacy Use: AFL, cricket, concerts (70,000+ capacity), and community events.
Transport & Access:
Direct links to Cross River Rail’s Exhibition Station, Brisbane Metro, and Inner Northern Busway.
Pedestrian/cycle paths connecting to CBD and Kelvin Grove.
Unique Features:
360-degree concourses, DDA-compliant design.
Green space retained (68% of parkland preserved).
Design Team:
COX Architecture & Hassell
International partner: Azusa Sekkei
Engineers: Arup, SBP
Design Response:
Queenslander-inspired architecture
Verandah-style edges, shade and natural ventilation
Designed to capture breezes and long views
Stadium embedded into Victoria Park’s landscape
Parkland Integration:
Nestled within rolling terrain
Maintains public open space and park access
Seamless integration with surrounding parkland
Delivery:
Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA)
Part of the $7.1bn Games Venues Infrastructure Program (17 venues statewide)
Global Expertise with Local Knowledge
COX and Hassell bring extensive local and international stadium experience, having previously collaborated on Optus Stadium in Perth, the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and works at the MCG. Azusa Sekkei adds deep Olympic pedigree, including the Japan National Stadium delivered for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The design team is supported by engineering firms Arup and SBP, who will contribute specialist expertise, particularly in relation to the stadium roof and large-span structures.
Part of a Statewide Olympic Investment
The Brisbane Stadium forms part of GIICA’s $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, which includes 17 new and upgraded venues across Queensland, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
According to GIICA, the selected design team demonstrated the strongest combination of visionary design, technical capability, global experience and local placemaking knowledge — positioning the stadium as a defining piece of Brisbane’s Olympic and post-Games legacy.
Stephen Conry, GIICA Chairman, chaired the Design Evaluation Panel for the selection process and complimented the quality of candidates for this important commission.
“We sought visionary design, innovation, and quality teamwork credentials when we started our selection process for the principal architect, and that is certainly what we have seen through our exhaustive deliberations,” said Mr Conry.
“The track record of COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei made them an outstanding choice as principal architect for Brisbane Stadium.
“The Games will provide an incredible opportunity for our city and our state on the world stage and the designs and approach outlined by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei will deliver an iconic Brisbane Stadium that all Queenslanders will be proud to call our own.
“The selected team possess the appropriate experience in stadium design, alongside outstanding local knowledge and placemaking expertise, plus the added global resources that will be required for a project of this significance.
“The vision created by COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei is inspiring and GIICA is looking forward to bringing that vision to life.”
Lucy O’Driscoll, Hassell Managing Principal, said the design for Brisbane Stadium will provide enduring cultural value and enjoyment for the community all year-round.
“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, making it a genuine asset for the whole community”.
“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 – a place all Queenslanders will be proud of,” Ms O’Driscoll said.
Richard Coulson, COX Architecture Director, said the team’s global and local expertise ensures the Stadium will be designed for performance, flexibility and community connection.
“The Queensland character is defined more by humility than bravado, a quality reflected in the architecture of the traditional Queenslander”.
“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region. It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself. With its rolling green hills and sweeping views, Victoria Park is a stunning setting for this stadium”.
“The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish – qualities that are integral to our culture,” Mr Coulson said.
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Source: Information, Drawings and Images
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– Source: Media Alert
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