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Suncorp Stadium, formerly known as Lang Park, is the home of rugby league in Queensland. Recently redeveloped, it is acknowledged as one of the best rectangular football grounds in the world. The stadium design allows most spectators to sit close to the field. Following its redevelopment, questions were raised about the standard of the surface, which was soft underfoot and sandy and was blamed for a spate of injuries to footballers using it (earning the stadium the unwanted nickname of "Sandcorp Stadium"). Prior to the redevelopment, the stadium was nicknamed "The Cauldron", and Queensland fans developed a reputation for vocal support of their teams, adding to this mythology.
Much of this mythology centred around the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team, who played home games at the stadium. The Broncos were viewed as almost unbeatable in front of their fanatical home supporters, however the first games played after the redevelopment of the stadium (both at club and State of Origin level) ended in victories to the visiting team. While the home fans are beginning to reassert themselves, many believe that the aura of invincibility that home teams have at the stadium has been permanently lost.
Memorable for great football games, the ground hosted the inaugural State of Origin fixture in 1980 - an annual best-of-three rugby league series played between Queensland and New South Wales. 25 years later the competition is still going strong. A capacity of 52000 ensures everyone is close to the action, and the stadium boasts a great atmosphere, although post-redevelopment there were some concerns that the fans were not taking to the new stadium.
The stadium hosted games during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, with large crowds flocking to international rugby games. This support has been rewarded by the ARU - hosting the return clash between Australia and world champions England.
The stadium is within walking distance of the CBD area of Brisbane.
Real Time Info
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- Location - Brisbane, Queensland .
- Capacity - 52,579 .
- Seats - 52,579 (100% of capacity) .
- Record Crowd - 52,429 - 11/6/2003 Rugby League State of Origin I .
- Video Screen - Yes .
- Lights - Yes .
- Former Names - Lang Park, Suncorp Stadium, now - Suncorp Metway Stadium .
- Sports Played - Rugby League, Rugby Union, Soccer .
- Home Teams - Brisbane Broncos RLC .
- Annual Events - State of Origin.
- Historic Events - 2003 Rugby World Cup.
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