Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Queensland, Australia

Client: Watpac

Architect: COX

Queensland Country Bank Stadium came to life as part of the Townsville City Deal – aiming to deliver a centrally located, 25,000-seat multi-purpose regional stadium in time for the 2020 National Rugby League (NRL) season. The project acts as an infrastructure boost and will deliver more activation and development opportunities for the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area and Townsville CBD.

The design of the horseshoe-shaped bowl facing north towards the city and Magnetic Island was driven by a range of desires. The stadium needed to hold the proposed capacity without taking away from the close-knit community feel of its small suburban grounds. It needed to combine structural, functional and operational aspects of international modern stadia with engagement of its quintessentially Queensland surrounds.

The stadium hosts three rectangular sports – rugby league, rugby union and soccer – and has the flexibility to host a range of alternative entertainment events such as concerts. NDYLIGHT in conjunction with the NDY Brisbane office was responsible for the sportslighting and thematic lighting of the project, which allows the façade to be themed for home and visiting teams, as well as seasonal events.