Queensland Country Bank Stadium redevelopment adds new corporate and family facilitiesUpdated

Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville will receive a $65 million upgrade that adds new premium corporate facilities, improved family seating zones, an expanded food and beverage precinct, and modernised change rooms and media infrastructure meeting the standards required for NRL finals and State of Origin matches.

The upgrade, funded jointly by the Queensland government and Townsville City Council, responds to the stadium's increasing profile as a major events venue following the NRL's decision to base State of Origin fixtures in Townsville on a rotation, and the Council of Mayors' successful bid for a Women's State of Origin match in the recent season.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the stadium improvements would cement Townsville's position as Queensland's second-largest sporting events city after Brisbane. "When the Cowboys play in front of a full house, that energy goes through the entire region. State of Origin in Townsville sells out in hours. This city loves its sport and its sport deserves world-class facilities," she said.

The new corporate facilities will add 18 private suites and an expanded members lounge capable of hosting 450 people, addressing what the stadium operator identified as a chronic shortage of premium inventory for corporate entertainment. The food and beverage precinct upgrade will add 12 new outlets, with a focus on local North Queensland food and beverage producers.

Construction will be staged to avoid disruption to the NRL season, with the corporate facilities and corporate precinct targeted for completion before the next season's first home game and the family zones following in the mid-season break.

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