Heritage Bank Stadium is a popular sports facility that is located in Carrara on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. This stadium has an important role in Australian sports and specifically Australian Rules Football (AFL). It is primarily known as the home of the Gold Coast Suns, and it has been used to host numerous sporting events, concerts/events, and international ceremonies.
Over the years, Heritage Bank Stadium has had several names due to sponsorship deals. Heritage Bank Stadium used to be called Carrara Stadium and Metricon Stadium until 2023 when it became known as Heritage Bank Stadium. The following year, in 2024, the stadium received another name change and is now referred to as People First Stadium. Regardless of how many times the stadium has changed names, people are always looking for information regarding the history of the stadium, the number of seats available at the stadium, major events that have taken place at the stadium, and where the stadium is located.
Heritage Bank Stadium Overview
Heritage Bank Stadium is a state-of-the-art multi-use sports facility located within the Gold Coast area of Queensland. The redevelopment of this facility was designed to accommodate the growth of the Australian Football League, and to establish a long-term home for the Gold Coast Suns.
The facility includes state-of-the-art seating options, food/drink service areas and an expansive playing field. While primarily used for Australian Rules Football, the facility is able to host other types of events such as concerts, local community events, etc., in addition to various other athletic events.
| Particulars | Details |
| Stadium Name | Heritage Bank Stadium |
| Current Name | People First Stadium |
| Previous Names | Carrara Stadium, Metricon Stadium |
| Location | Carrara, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Opened | 1987 (original venue) |
| Redeveloped | 2011 |
| Main Sport | Australian Rules Football |
| Home Team | Gold Coast Suns |
| AFL Capacity | Approximately 25,000 |
| Redevelopment Cost | Around AUD 144 million |
| Owner | Queensland Government |
| Operator | Gold Coast Football Club-related management entity |
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Where Is Heritage Bank Stadium Located?
Heritage Bank Stadium is located at Carrara, an inner-suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The stadium is positioned on Nerang-Broadbeach Road and is a part of the Gold Coast’s main sporting district.
The stadium is bordered by numerous additional athletic venues, such as the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Center and Carrara Indoor Stadium. Due to its positioning, this venue serves as a major hub for individuals who wish to attend football games, various types of sports competitions and live performances.
The venue may be reached by various modes of transportation such as private vehicle, taxi or public transit. Visitors coming from other areas of the Gold Coast will have to make travel plans based on traffic conditions and how the venue is accessible during the event.
Heritage Bank Stadium History
The story of Heritage Bank Stadium begins long ago. For years the facility was called “Carrara Stadium” and it was used for many types of sports until it became a large Australian Rules Football stadium.
At this time, the stadium was primarily used for baseball and rugby league games. Additionally, the Gold Coast Chargers were based here during the 1990’s, and the Gold Coast Titans hosted their first-ever season of professional football at the stadium in 2007.
The AFL experienced a major change when they added the Gold Coast Suns to their lineup. As part of this addition, the Gold Coast stadium was redeveloped with a cost of about AUD 144 million. The newly-renovated facility was opened again in 2011. This redevelopment added state-of-the-art facilities and seating options that are appropriate for professional football.
Major Historical Milestones
| Year | Event |
| 1987 | Original Carrara Stadium opened |
| 1989–1990 | Hosted Gold Coast Clippers baseball matches |
| 1990s | Used for baseball and rugby league |
| 2007 | Gold Coast Titans played their inaugural season at the venue |
| 2011 | Redeveloped stadium reopened |
| 2011–2022 | Known as Metricon Stadium |
| 2018 | Hosted Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies |
| 2023 | Renamed Heritage Bank Stadium |
| 2024 | Renamed People First Stadium |
Heritage Bank Stadium Name Changes
An interesting part of the Heritage Bank Stadium is that it has had multiple names during its existence, mostly due to sponsorship agreements with companies. The first name of the stadium was Carrara Stadium, and this name was still known by many people in the area who follow sports. However, after signing a sponsorship deal in 2011, the stadium became known as Metricon Stadium.
The venue had been known by that same name for over ten years until a new naming rights deal was signed in 2023. Heritage Bank Stadium was the name of the stadium for a short time. People First Stadium became the commercial name of the stadium in 2024.
Stadium Naming Timeline
| Period | Stadium Name |
| Earlier Years | Carrara Oval / Carrara Stadium |
| 2011–2022 | Metricon Stadium |
| 2023 | Heritage Bank Stadium |
| 2024–Present | People First Stadium |
These name changes explain why older sports articles, match reports and ticket listings still mention Heritage Bank Stadium. All these names refer to the same sporting venue in Carrara.
Heritage Bank Stadium Capacity and Seating Arrangements
Heritage Bank Stadium’s average Australian Football League (AFL) seating capacity is around 25,000. However, the exact seating capacity will depend upon a number of factors, including the nature of the event being held, the layout of the seating in the stadium and any short-term modifications made to the stadium.
The stadium is designed so that football fans can view games with comfort. There are several seating areas available which allow fans to see the game from many different areas of the field.
The venue offers high-quality accommodations for those who wish to have a more private experience with their friends or colleagues. The facility has options to allow for larger attendance at some events by altering how the seating is arranged within the facility.
Seating and Capacity Details
| Category | Details |
| Standard AFL Capacity | Around 25,000 |
| Stadium Listed Capacity | Approximately 27,500 |
| Potential Expanded Capacity | Around 40,000 |
| Cricket Configuration | Approximately 21,000 |
| Concert Configuration | Up to 50,000 |
| Seating Type | General, premium and hospitality seating |
The capacity figures differ because the stadium uses different layouts for football matches, concerts and other events. Visitors should check the official event information before purchasing tickets.
Heritage Bank Stadium Records and Major Crowds
Heritage Bank Stadium has been host to many thousands of sports fans since it opened. Many of these larger crowds have come to see AFL games played at the stadium between the Gold Coast Suns and other popular teams who travel there.
The first major attendance record for the stadium was set on 5 July 2014 with 24,032 spectators watching the Gold Coast Suns take on Collingwood. This still stands as one of the largest recorded ticketed attendances for the stadium.
In addition to the previous attendance figure, another major crowd attendance was recorded in 2011 with 23,302 fans attending the match between the two clubs. Both of these figures clearly show how the stadium can draw big crowds for key sporting events.
Notable Attendance Records
| Match / Event | Attendance |
| Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood (2014) | 24,032 |
| Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood (2011) | 23,302 |
| Approximate AFL Capacity | 25,000 |
The stadium has also hosted several other high-profile matches and sporting occasions. Attendance figures depend on the popularity of participating teams, competition importance and available seating.
Major Events Hosted at Heritage Bank Stadium
Heritage Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium that is used for more than simply Australian Rules Football games. The flexibility of its construction, along with the size of its playing field allow for many other types of sporting events as well as various forms of entertainment.
The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games was one of the largest events held on this site. The opening and closing ceremonies took place at the stadium, which drew world-wide media focus on the Gold Coast.
In addition to the aforementioned events, the facility has been utilized for various types of events such as baseball games, rugby league games, AFL games, concert performances, and community-related activities. Because it is a multi-use facility, event organizers can utilize this space for different types of events at various times of the year.
Major Sporting Events and Teams
| Period / Year | Team or Event | Category |
| 1989–1990 | Gold Coast Clippers | Baseball |
| 1990s | Gold Coast Chargers | Rugby League |
| 2007 | Gold Coast Titans | Rugby League |
| 2011–Present | Gold Coast Suns | Australian Rules Football |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games ceremonies | International Event |
| Various Years | Concerts and community events | Entertainment |
Gold Coast Suns and Heritage Bank Stadium
The Heritage Bank Stadium is primarily used by the Gold Coast Suns to play their games. They became part of the Australian Football League in 2011 and use Carrara as their primary playing venue. The development of the stadium was instrumental in allowing the Suns to establish themselves within the league. The new stadium gave the Suns the opportunity to have a modern facility that allowed players to compete against other teams while being supported by the community.
The Gold Coast Suns have home games that draw people who follow football from all across Queensland. The stadium also provides other teams with a chance to participate in the Gold Coast sports community. To supporters, the stadium is a key element of the club’s identity. Although the stadium’s commercial name has evolved, there are still many local fans that refer to the stadium as “Carrara Stadium.”
How to Reach Heritage Bank Stadium
Heritage Bank Stadium is located at Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara, allowing access from various locations within the Gold Coast region. Access to the stadium may be made via private vehicle, taxi and/or public transportation.
When there is a large sports event taking place, public transportation will provide you with a good alternative to driving your own car to the event site. You should find out what the current transportation options are prior to leaving for the event, as well as if there are any special event day transportation arrangements or service increases available.
Transport Options
| Transport | Details |
| Car | Drive towards Carrara using Nerang-Broadbeach Road. |
| Taxi | Taxis provide direct access from different Gold Coast locations. |
| Bus | Public bus services connect Carrara with surrounding suburbs. |
| Train | Visitors can use nearby rail connections and continue by bus or taxi. |
It is recommended to arrive early for major matches and concerts. This provides enough time to find parking, complete entry checks and reach the assigned seating area without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is Heritage Bank Stadium located?
Heritage Bank Stadium is located in Carrara on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is situated along Nerang-Broadbeach Road within the city’s sporting precinct.
Q2. Is Heritage Bank Stadium still open?
Yes, the stadium remains operational. However, it is now known as People First Stadium following a name change in 2024.
Q3. What is the capacity of Heritage Bank Stadium?
The stadium has an AFL seating capacity of approximately 25,000 spectators. Its capacity can vary depending on the event and seating configuration.
Q4. Which team plays at Heritage Bank Stadium?
The Gold Coast Suns, an Australian Football League team, use the stadium as their home ground.
Q5. What was Heritage Bank Stadium previously called?
Before becoming Heritage Bank Stadium in 2023, the venue was known as Metricon Stadium. It was also traditionally called Carrara Stadium.
Q6. Which major event was hosted at Heritage Bank Stadium in 2018?
The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast in Australia.
Conclusion
Heritage Bank Stadium is a very important part of Australia’s Gold Coast’s sporting history. The original Carrara Stadium was developed into a modern day stadium that is now the home of the Gold Coast Suns.
The venue’s history has included baseball, rugby league, australian rules football, and large scale international events like the 2018 commonwealth games opening/closing ceremonies. Although the heritage bank stadium name was adopted in 2023, the term remains one of the most searched terms by sports fans. Today the stadium is referred to as people first stadium and continues to be a major destination for sports and entertainment
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