The Brisbane Showground’s $287 Million Transformation Kicks Off Post-Ekka

As the ferris wheel rolls away and the last Bertie Beetle is unwrapped, the home of the Ekka prepares for a mammoth overhaul in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Now that the 150th edition of the Ekka is finished, the RNA Showgrounds will undergo a $287.5 million major revitalisation bringing in a new Machinery Hill grandstand, a multi-storey horse pavilion and significant accessibility upgrades to the 20,000 seat Main Arena.  

While parts of the showgrounds will be demolished to make way for its revival, heritage restorations are also in the works with historic details woven throughout—including a new Stockman’s Bar that will be perched on the rooftop of the three-level pavilion. 

Image credit: Artist's Impression | Delivering 2032

Set to overlook the showgrounds, the future Brisbane Athletes Village will accommodate more than 10,000 athletes and officials for the Games and then will become 1,800 homes to add to the inner-city neighbourhood. 

The countdown is very much on until the Games but the Ekka will continue to be hosted at the showgrounds every year except for 2032 itself. 

Want to know more about the developments in the works for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games? Check out:

• Here’s What’s Happening To The Victoria Park Precinct
• Your First Look At The New Brisbane Stadium