The Premier and Minister for the Arts of Queensland, Australia, Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt issued a joint statement announcing that two major venues in Queensland will host National Gridiron League games in 2016.
According to Palaszczuk, the new National Gridiron League has signed an agreement with Stadiums Queensland to stage inaugural games at two of the Australia’s best rectangular stadiums, Suncorp Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium.
While visiting with the reigning Superbowl Champions Denver Broncos yesterday, the Premier said a new National Gridiron League was poised to raise the game’s profile in Australia, and Queensland stood to benefit.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Photo: Financial Review
“With the likes of Jesse Williams and Jarryd Hayne making their mark on the NFL, and with the seemingly endless appetite Australians and Queenslanders have for all types of sport, gridiron has the potential to make its mark in Australia,” the Premier said.
“The National Gridiron League is scheduled to begin later this year, and they have reached an agreement for games to be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
“Staging these games in Queensland will mean even more focus on our state, and the potential increased economic activity that goes with it.
“The NGL says games will be broadcast around Australia via Fox Sports, free to air television and online including into the US and Europe.
“Meeting with the Denver Broncos yesterday, I know this new League will be closely watched by the biggest names in the NFL, and that means they’ll also be watching what Queensland has to offer.”
The Premier said she discussed stadium technology and the hosting of major events with the Denver Broncos.
“Hosting major sporting events is becoming increasingly competitive. We understand how technology is playing an important part in improving the viewing experience for spectators.
“In the US, they have led the way when it comes to maximising the digital experience for spectators, and that’s something we’re watching closely.
“I have said before that Queensland is very keen to host even more major events, including the possibility of an NRL grand final.
“Everyone knows Suncorp Stadium is the best rugby league venue in the world, but we are open to making it even better.”
Treasurer and Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt said the Australian Government was constantly assessing the capability and offerings of Queensland stadiums.
“We will continue to look closely at what kind of investments we need to make to our major stadiums, so we can bring more big events to Queensland, including how technology enhancements might improve the experience for spectators,” Mr Pitt said.
The Brisbane-based NGL team, the Outlaws, will play four home games at Suncorp Stadium and the Gold Coast Kings will play three matches at Cbus Super Stadium.
In addition to the Outlaws and Kings, Queensland will also be represented by the North Coast Heat and the Logan Wolverines.
The National Gridiron League is scheduled to kick off on October 9, 2016.
Original statement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk