First opened in 1987, People First Stadium, formerly known as Carrara Stadium and Heritage Bank Stadium, is home to the Gold Coast Suns. With a capacity of 27,500, it can be expanded to 40,000 in the future. Located near Surfers Paradise, the stadium offers free public transport on match days for ticket holders. Known for its eco-friendly irrigation system and rich Indigenous heritage, it also boasts an interactive app to enhance the fan experience with real-time updates and augmented reality features.
People First Stadium Information
Capacity: 27,500
Address: Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara, QLD 4211
Ground Dimensions: 158m x 132m
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Getting to People First Stadium
Located west of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, there is abundance of public transport available to patrons seeking an easy way to get to the football.
Parking
Blue car park is free on AFLW match days when the crowd is predicted to be less than 5,000, however on AFL match days parking is not free however the price is not specified on their website.
Public Transport
You can use you event ticket on game days to access free public transport for train, bus, and tram services 4 hours before and after a match.
be sure to check the translink website to find information on how to arrive at the venue on time.
The Story Behind People First Stadium (formerly Carrara Stadium)
Originally opened in 1987, People First Stadium—previously known as Carrara Stadium and more recently Heritage Bank Stadium, stands as a 25,000-seat venue located in the bustling Carrara area of Queensland’s Gold Coast. This spot has become a mainstay for AFL fans and sports lovers, especially since the major $144 million redevelopment back in 2011. This facelift turned the stadium into a world-class facility, geared to impress both locals and visitors who find themselves drawn to its events and features.
The stadium’s history is as rich as its new design. Although everything from the original 1987 structure was eventually razed during the rebuild, those iconic light towers still remain, almost as if they’re keeping a vigil over the updated grounds. Initially, the reconstruction planned for just two main grandstands and uncovered seats behind the goals. But when additional funds came through, the stadium was expanded to include a roof encircling the southern end, giving fans much-needed shade from the Queensland sun.
A Venue with Versatility
Fast forward to today, and People First Stadium is home turf for the Gold Coast Suns AFL team, but it’s far from a one-sport wonder. The venue has played host to everything from international cricket fixtures to big-name concerts. Notably, it also served as the principal arena for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where capacity was temporarily boosted to 40,000 to accommodate the opening, closing ceremonies, and athletics events.
Managed by Stadiums Queensland and operated by the Gold Coast Suns, the stadium was designed by the world-renowned Populous architectural firm and constructed by Watpac, both of which are no strangers to crafting iconic sporting venues. This modern iteration of the stadium doesn’t just cater to sports fans; it’s a multifaceted destination for all kinds of major events, reinforcing its role as a key cultural and sporting hub in Queensland.
Throwback to the Original Carrara Stadium
The venue’s origin story dates back to 1986 when construction began, leading to the opening of Carrara Oval in 1987. It quickly became home to the Brisbane Bears, a team new to the Victorian Football League. But it wasn’t always packed stands and roaring crowds. In 1989, the highest crowd of the era gathered to watch the Bears face off against Geelong with 18,198 fans in attendance—a record that, despite its historic significance, highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistent attendance. By 1993, the Bears packed up for The Gabba, and Carrara Stadium found itself without a primary tenant.
Afterward, Carrara played a sort of musical chairs with teams and events, hosting Rugby League games, concerts, and more. For a brief stint, the Gold Coast Chargers moved in during the mid-90s but left when the ARL revoked their license in 1998. Though it never held massive crowds in its original form, the stadium had seating for around 5,300 with a total capacity near 18,000, making it a modest, albeit beloved, venue on the Gold Coast.
Did You Know?
People First Stadium was originally known as Carra Stadium, and more recently was named Heritage Bank Stadium before changing to People First Stadium in 2024.
The Stadiums grounds are on historically significant indigenous grounds which is why the name was changed to People First Stadium.
The Stadium takes advantage of state-of-the-art irrigation systems recycling water to significantly reduce the environmental impact the stadium has on the surrounding area.
The stadium has a interactive app providing real-time updates, augmented reality features, and exclusive content to fans to enhance their experience at the stadium.
