Plenty of Brisbane residents like to take advantage of the wonderful weather by hiking, biking, climbing, and engaging in water sports and team activities. And visitors can certainly follow their example with options for tours and equipment rentals, not to mention plenty of free public spaces in which to practice. However, tourists on holiday may be more enamoured with the idea of kicking back and relaxing during their break. And the many professional sporting leagues in and around Brisbane can provide just the blend of R&R and sports entertainment that weary travellers seek. So if you’re on the prowl for some sporting amusement throughout your stay in this vibrant city, here are just a few of the most popular Brisbane sporting venues.
The Gabba
Also known as the Brisbane Cricket Grounds, this stadium is the home of the Queensland Bulls, the local cricket team, and it has been esteemed as the city’s main venue for cricket matches since 1896, when the Parliament played a game against the press. The arena is used for both domestic and international cricket tournaments. In addition, visitors can catch an authentic game of footy (Australian Rules football) thanks to resident team the Brisbane Lions. While the stadium has also been used for sports as diverse as baseball, rugby, cycling, and even greyhound racing, these days you’re a lot more likely to find a cricket match or a footy game in the works.
Suncorp Stadium
Formerly Lang Park, this sports arena in Milton adopted the Suncorp title thanks to sponsorship from the finance company of the same name. Of course, the venue is more commonly referred to as “the cauldron”, perhaps because the high walls resemble a large pot, or maybe because of the roiling action taking place on the field. Either way, this historic site, which housed the city cemetery before becoming a sports venue in 1914, is a great place to sit back, relax, and take in rugby or soccer match with 50,000+ other spectators. Suncorp Stadium is the home of rugby league team the Brisbane Broncos, rugby union team the Queensland Reds, and A-League football team the Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Exhibition Grounds
The RNA Showgrounds, as this location is also called, may be best known for hosting all kinds of expos, including the annual Royal Queensland Exhibition, or EKKA. But it is also the home of the Brisbane Bandits, the Australian Baseball League team that plays there from November to February. So if you happen to be partaking of Brisbane’s sunny summer weather and a day at the ballpark sounds just right, head over to the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds with your mitt in hand to catch a fly.
Perry Park
Ballymore used to be the home of the Brisbane Strikers soccer club, now members of the National Premier League Queensland. But after losing their bid to join the recently-established A-League (only one Brissie team could be selected and the former Lions won it to become the Queensland Roar), the team has now taken up residence at Perry Park, where all of their home games take place.
The Sleeman Centre
Brisbane sport may centre on football and rugby, but there are a lot more athletics options for those seeking something different. And the Sleeman Sports Complex can provide a viable alternative thanks to resident netball team the Queensland Firebirds. In addition, the aquatic centre, velodrome, and gymnasium could help you to get in touch with your own inner athlete through the wide variety of services and classes offered, including swimming, cycling, gymnastics, and other health and fitness options.
