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Major events

Overview

Queensland is continuing to build a reputation as a major events capital.

We prepare bids to attract major events to Queensland, and coordinate whole-of-Government support for these events.

To ensure Queensland receives benefits from its investment in major events, we leverage across industry, community and other departments and agencies, while supporting the operational delivery of events.

In 2020 Queensland hosted the AFL Grand Final at the Gabba in Brisbane, the first time this event was staged outside Melbourne, and in 2021 Queensland hosted the NRL Grand Final, the first time this event was staged outside of Sydney.

Queensland will play host to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia in 2022, with 4 Super 12 matches to be played at the Gabba in Brisbane, as well as the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, with 8 matches to be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium including the 3rd Place play-off on 19 August 2023. Queensland is also well-placed to play a significant role in hosting the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.

Queensland expects to host a range of cultural, business and sporting events in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aligning with Queensland’s Action Plan for Tourism Recovery.

Our partner, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), is responsible for attracting, supporting, growing and promoting successful regional and major events in Queensland to increase visitation. We support TEQ by seeking and administering government funding for event opportunities that align with Queensland Government objectives, including a $20 million Event Boost to attract and retain major and business events for Queensland through to 2024, and contribute to the development of policies that support the staging of major events in Queensland.

Our role in relation to major events includes:

  • Assessing hosting opportunities and leading bids for major events on behalf of the Queensland Government.
  • Identifying resourcing requirements and quantifying costs associated with supporting major events.
  • Managing hosting, funding and sponsorship agreements for major events and event-related projects.
  • Coordinating Queensland Government support for major events.
  • Administering funding to TEQ and government agencies supporting the staging of major events in Queensland.
  • Helping to identify strategic event opportunities for Queensland through whole-of-Government engagement.
  • Working with government stakeholders to secure and successfully stage major events in Queensland.
  • Partnering with Organising Committees and peak bodies to ensure an integrated approach to the delivery of major events in Queensland.

Prior to COVID-19 our events calendar for 2020 was estimated to be worth $880 million. The Queensland Government is continuing to work to rebuild our events calendar and acquire events to ensure the calendar remains attractive to visitors in future years.

Visit the Queensland Events calendar for a range of dynamic and growing sport, arts, entertainment and cultural events throughout Queensland.

Benefits

  • Attract visitors to Queensland

  • Maximise economic growth

  • New experiences for visitors and locals

Timeline

2018

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games


2019

SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit, Gold CoastShape


2020

ICC Women’s T20 World CupShape


2020

2020 Toyota AFL Grand FinalShape


2021

2021 NRL Finals Series and Grand Final


2022

ICC Men’s T20 World CupShape


2023

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023


2027

Rugby World Cup 2027 (Men)


2029

Rugby World Cup 2029 (Women)


2032

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Last updated: 14 Jul 2023