Sunshine Coast Stadium: Capacity, Events and the Path to AFL

Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina has established itself as the primary major events venue for the region, hosting AFL, rugby league, and international football matches alongside a growing concert and entertainment program. Current capacity of approximately 10,000 represents a constraint on the scale of events the venue can attract relative to comparable facilities in larger cities.

The Sunshine Coast Lightning netball franchise has been the anchor tenant, building a passionate local following that has consistently sold out the venue. Lightning's recent premiership success has intensified discussion about whether the region can support a permanent AFL franchise, given the Queensland Government's existing commitment to a Gold Coast and Brisbane club structure.

A venue expansion feasibility study commissioned by Council and the state government is examining scenarios including expanded permanent seating and temporary structures capable of lifting capacity to 20,000 for major events. The study is expected to inform a business case for state capital investment in the 2027-28 budget cycle.

Concert promoters have shown interest in the venue as part of national touring circuits, citing its ability to reach the Sunshine Coast's growing population without requiring Brisbane accommodation for a significant portion of the audience. The infrastructure investment case strengthens as each new resident adds potential ticket revenue to the catchment analysis.

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