Architectus appointed for Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade

Architectus has been named Principal Architect for the revitalisation of Sunshine Coast Stadium, with early design concepts drawing inspiration from the region’s landscape and relaxed coastal lifestyle. 

Selected following a rigorous six-month process led by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), Architectus will deliver the stadium upgrade in partnership with international sports architecture specialist HKS, the team behind globally recognised venues such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Perth’s Optus Stadium.  

This appointment comes shortly after Architectus was named Principal Architect for the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade in Cairns. It also builds on our strong local design legacy, exemplified by projects such as the award-winning Sunshine Coast University Hospital.  

The stadium upgrade will dramatically transform capacity, expanding from just over 1,000 seats to more than 10,000.  

New eastern and western grandstands will introduce elevated seating bowls for improved sightlines, better weather protection, amplified atmosphere and a stronger connection to on-field action. Additional food and beverage areas, community spaces, event zones and upgraded player amenities form part of the broader design vision. 

Our initial drawings reveal a floating, curved roofline inspired by the region’s natural forms. The design frames views to the water and mountain ranges and reinforces the stadium’s identity as the Sunshine Coast’s premier destination for sport and entertainment. 

“We’re excited to be designing a stadium that expresses the region’s modern, outdoor-loving culture. It’s set in a landscape that’s both cinematic and authentic, capturing the future of how people want to live, gather, recreate and celebrate.” 

Mark van den Enden, Architectus Group Director Communities

Beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – where the venue is slated to host football preliminaries and quarter finals – the upgraded stadium will continue to serve the community as a home for local sport, elite training and national-level events. 

Design work will progress throughout 2026, with site preparation due to begin later this year and construction commencing in 2027.  

The project forms part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program funded jointly by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered by GIICA.