Plans have started and seemingly stalled over the years, but the Brisbane Arena project now appears to be moving forward again, with AEG and Live Nation reportedly shortlisted to build the venue.
The Courier Mail reports that Gather Brisbane and Ignite, formerly known as the Brisbane Entertainment Alliance, submitted detailed proposals in October.
They’ve reportedly been shortlisted to handle the project because of their experience delivering and financing large-scale infrastructure projects, handling major events, and operating entertainment venues.
The publication notes that Gather Brisbane features project specialist Plenary Group, venue developer and manager Oak View Group, and tour promoters Live Nation. Meanwhile, Ignite is made up of Capella Capital, Lendlease, venue managers Legends Global, and entertainment company AEG.
Last May, a spokesperson for Live Nation told The Music, “Live Nation has registered our interest to deliver a world-class arena in Brisbane’s CBD. Our vision is for the Brisbane arena to become a premier entertainment destination, attracting global tours and driving economic growth for decades beyond the Olympics.”
Brisbane Arena will reportedly cost $2.5 billion to build. Set to be located in Woolloongabba, the venue has gone from government-supported to privately funded.
The project isn’t part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it would still have a major impact on the city. Construction work could reportedly begin as soon as next year.
Talks of Brisbane Arena began in 2016, years before the state government and local councils started considering the city for hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. Harvey Lister’s AEG Ogden led the talks, which now exists as part of ASM Global.
In addition to sports, Brisbane Arena, with its 17,000 seats, would provide a fresh space to host artists like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and more. The venue has something else going for it, too: it’s set to be located in the inner-city.
Brisbane Arena is expected to be located across from Gabba Stadium, creating a setup akin to the multi-purpose Melbourne & Olympic Parks, which has been described as “Australia’s heart of sports and entertainment.”
In June 2023, it was predicted that Brisbane Arena would attract up to $2.5 billion in real Gross Regional Product over 2026-2048, and $90 million in investment every year.
Live Nation already operates and backs venues such as The Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid in Brisbane, the Palais Theatre and Festival Hall in Melbourne, the Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide and Anita’s Theatre in Wollongong.
