Change of name for Gold Coast’s Heritage Bank Stadium

The home of the Gold Coast SUNS has been renamed as the People First Stadium.

Just over a year after the Carrara venue became Heritage Bank Stadium, the change of branding, announced on Friday ahead of the SUN’s sold-out AFL opening round match against Richmond, follows the merger of Heritage Bank and People’s Choice last year to create People First Bank.

Commenting on the new name, SUNS Chief Executive, Mark Evans stated “we have enjoyed an incredibly successful first year with People First Bank as the Gold Coast Suns’ Stadium Partner and we are excited to continue partnering alongside an organisation who shares our absolute commitment to the community.

“People First Stadium is just that - for the people. It’s a valued asset for our region which will continue to engage a wide range of communities and bring diverse content to the Gold Coast.

“Like People First Bank, we are a community-oriented club with a commitment to our members.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people from far and wide to our venue, beginning with Saturday afternoon’s blockbuster Opening Round match against Richmond.”

People First Bank Chief Executive, Peter Lock says the venue will continue to be used as an integral community asset, adding “after all the planning which has gone into our new name and brand, it’s fantastic to see it come to life at this magnificent stadium. It’s a big milestone for us and this is a big stage for our launch.

“The People First Bank branding will adorn this great stadium for the next four years, at least, and there’s no doubt it will provide us with incredible exposure and name recognition right across the country.”

Non-commercially known as Carrara Stadium, the venue was known as Metricon Stadium from when the Suns entered the AFL competition in 2011 until February 2023 when Heritage Bank obtained the naming rights.

The name change is one of two ahead of the 2024 AFL season, with the GWS GIANTS announcing on Thursday that their home venue at the Sydney Showground is now known as the ENGIE Stadium.

Image: People First Stadium. Credit: Gold Coast SUNS.