Suncorp Stadium State of Origin decider sets world’s post-COVID attendance record

November 18, 2020

Nigel Benton

Suncorp Stadium has tonight welcomed what is believed to be the largest sporting crowd in the world since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March.

While the ASM Global-managed stadium did not reach its 52,500 capacity due to some lingering biosecurity measures, the official crowd for the State of Origin finale between Queensland and NSW at the Brisbane venue was 49,155.

That figure eclipsed the 46,000 figure that was posted for last month’s Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between New Zealand and Australia at Auckland’s Eden Park and the 29,707 at the AFL Grand Final at the Gabba last month, which itself had been the biggest attendance at a sporting fixture since 86,174 watched the Women’s T20 World Cup final at the MCG on 8th March.

On 11th March, the World Health Organization officially declared the Coronavirus a global pandemic.

The venue operating at near capacity was mad possible following Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk having announced last week that open-air venues with a COVIDSafe Plan would be able to operate at full capacity as of yesterday.

Fans were asked to ensure their safety by wearing a mask unless they were seated and to remain within the zone allocated on their ticket to minimise circulation. Cashless payments only were also in use for food, beverages and merchandise.

Images: Fans at tonight's State of Origin decider (top, credit: Blair Hughes/Facebook) and the venue prior to the game (below, credit: Suncorp/Facebook).

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.