A major new indoor arena on the Gold Coast is to be developed, with global entertainment giant Live Nation confirmed as the lead partner on the project.
The proposed $480 million Gold Coast Arena will deliver a minimum 12,000-seat indoor venue designed to host concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and large-scale corporate gatherings.
The project is being delivered via a public-private partnership and construction is expected to begin in 2027. The venue is scheduled to open by 2030, well ahead of its role as a key venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The arena represents a major uplift in the Gold Coast’s ability to host large-scale indoor events—an area where the destination has historically lacked capacity. The venue is expected to stage 80 to 100 major events annually, including international touring acts, exhibitions, esports and corporate events.
Industry stakeholders have highlighted the project’s long-term legacy beyond the Olympics. By providing a world-class indoor venue, the arena is expected to position the Gold Coast as a regular stop on global touring circuits, while also creating new opportunities for conferences and incentive programmes seeking large plenary spaces with entertainment integration.
The location at Southport, which is next to the Broadwater and close to hotels, dining and transport, has been selected to maximise delegate accessibility and encourage pre- and post-event spend within the destination.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate described the project as a strategic investment in the city’s economic future, with expectations it will generate thousands of jobs and drive visitor growth.
The project is still subject to final design and planning approvals, with community consultation ongoing around transport, environmental impact and site integration.