Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, one of the city’s primary venues for major concerts, is facing increasing criticism for its limited capacity and ageing facilities, which industry insiders say are causing top international artists to skip Brisbane altogether.
As Brisbane’s second major concert venue after Suncorp Stadium, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre has hosted numerous events since its opening over 30 years ago. However, promoters, artists, and government officials have expressed concerns that the venue’s outdated infrastructure and location in Boondall, far from the city’s central districts, make it less appealing for high-profile acts.
Tony Cochrane, a well-known promoter for artists like The Rolling Stones, described Brisbane’s concert venue landscape as inadequate, stating that the Entertainment Centre’s limited capacity often pushes major tours to bypass Brisbane in favour of cities with larger, modernised venues.
Challenges of Attracting International Artists
John Collins, Brisbane’s Night-Life Economy Commissioner, echoed these concerns and called for a modern stadium that could bring bigger acts to the area. He noted that the Entertainment Centre’s 14,500-capacity is no longer enough to meet the demands of large international productions.
Mr Collins believes that without a new “world-class” venue, Brisbane will continue to struggle to attract popular acts like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Oasis, all of whom recently skipped Brisbane on their Australian tours.
Many industry experts argue that Brisbane needs additional venues to support its growing population and tourism market. Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged these concerns, adding that government and industry stakeholders must work together to address venue inadequacies that are holding the city back in the concert market.
According to Mr Crisafulli, the venue’s remote location in Boondall, roughly 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, has added to the logistical difficulties of attracting high-profile concerts.
Economic Impact and Industry Competition
Western Australia’s recent investment in securing Coldplay concerts in Perth demonstrates the economic benefits that can come from attracting big events. WA’s $8 million investment reportedly yielded $43 million in economic returns, providing a sharp contrast to Queensland, which currently lacks similar incentives. Critics argue that without new infrastructure and incentives, Queensland will continue to miss out on economic opportunities as major acts opt for Sydney and Melbourne.
Queensland venues operator Harvey Lister of ASM Global, which manages the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, agreed that soaring touring costs are partly to blame, as artists must carefully weigh the costs of performing in multiple cities. He pointed out that as fuel and transport prices continue to climb, artists find it more feasible to perform in larger, high-capacity venues in Australia’s two biggest cities rather than adding Brisbane’s smaller, ageing Entertainment Centre to their schedules.
Future Developments and Potential Solutions
Brisbane’s long-term solution may lie in the proposed Brisbane Live Arena, which is expected to be built in the city centre in time for the 2032 Olympics. This venue is planned to accommodate up to 17,000 attendees and is designed to modernise Brisbane’s concert infrastructure, positioning it to compete more effectively with cities across Australia and beyond. LM Adrian Schrinner says Brisbane Live Arena will “turbocharge” the city’s music and events scene, allowing the city to better cater to fans and artists alike.
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has stated that it is committed to working with promoters and organisers to bring major events to the state, even as the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure remain. The TEQ spokesperson said that securing Brisbane’s place on tour itineraries is a high priority, but current infrastructure, specifically at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, will need to be addressed to meet growing demand.
Upcoming Concerts at Brisbane Entertainment Centre
| Artist | Date(s) | Venue |
| The Kid Laroi | November 14, 2024 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall |
| Troye Sivan | November 26, 2024 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall |
| Billie Eilish | February 19-22, 2025 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall |
| Kylie Minogue | February 26, 2025 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall |
| Chris Stapleton | February 28, 2025 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall |
Published 10-Nov-2024
