Lang Park concert cap nearly doubles in one-year trial

Brisbane's biggest rectangular stadium is set for a significantly louder year, with a new one-year trial allowing up to 21 concert dates at Lang Park - almost doubling the previous annual limit of 12.

The change is designed to strengthen Brisbane's ability to compete for major touring acts and large-scale productions, at a time when the live entertainment market is more competitive than ever. The state's position is straightforward: more dates create more flexibility for promoters, more opportunities to lock in touring schedules, and more chances for Queensland audiences to see global artists without travelling interstate.

Supporters of the trial argue the economic case is compelling. Major concerts bring a surge of visitors into the inner city, filling hotels and restaurants, increasing public transport patronage, and lifting spending across hospitality and retail. The trial also lands after a run of major city events that have demonstrated the scale of demand for large-format entertainment, reinforcing the view that Brisbane's event calendar can carry more.

Not everyone is convinced the pace of change is right. Concerns have been raised about consultation and the impact of increased event frequency on nearby residents - particularly noise, crowd movement, and post-event traffic conditions. There are also questions about how the stadium's concert future could evolve once Brisbane's planned 63,000-seat venue at Victoria Park is built, potentially changing the dynamics of where major tours choose to play.

The government says the trial will be evaluated after a year, with any longer-term decision dependent on whether the increase can be managed without unacceptable impacts on the surrounding community.

For Brisbane, the message is clear: the city wants to be a first-choice stop for the biggest acts - and it's prepared to adjust the settings to make that happen.