Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham to retire in July

Legends ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, has announced that Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham will retire from the venue management industry this July leaving a legacy of over 800 major events at one of the world’s premier sporting facilities.

ASM Global Chairman and Chief Executive Harvey Lister said Graham was a titan within the industry and noted “he has been our General Manager at Suncorp Stadium since 2002 except for a 2-year secondment when he managed the Indoor Basketball Arena for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 for ASM Global.”

“He is one of a kind and his departure will be felt across the industry.

“We are finalising arrangements for a very capable successor who will carry on Alan’s great work at the Stadium and will be in a position to make that announcement in the next 2 weeks.”

The incredible run of events during his time at the helm has included over 220 Brisbane Broncos games, 27 State of Origins, 6 Bledisloe Cups and 30 Rugby Union Internationals.

Graham helped steer the re-opening of the venue in 2003 in a year that saw eight Brisbane Broncos home games, two State of Origins, a Wallabies Test Match and nine games of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Today, Suncorp Stadium is one of the busiest Stadiums in the world hosting around 60 events a year of rectangular football, major stadium concerts and other spectaculars.

Graham said he was incredibly proud of his time with Suncorp Stadium and that it had been a privilege to be the steward of such an iconic part of Queensland.

Graham shared “Suncorp Stadium is synonymous with Queensland and to be able to shape its story is something that has meant a great deal to me.

“My time at Suncorp Stadium has been made all the more enjoyable by the incredible staff we have had over the years.

“To the Legends ASM Global family - in particular Harvey Lister, Rod Pilbeam and Bob O’Keeffe - I would like to thank you for your support over the years.

“I’d like to acknowledge Stadiums Queensland and their CEO Todd Harris. We have appreciated their role as the nominated owner of the Stadium on behalf of the state of Queensland and how they have entrusted us to use our expertise to manage the Stadium that has become universally recognised as the best Rugby League Stadium in the world.

“I have also enjoyed the close working relationship we have shared with our catering partner the O’Brien Group Australia.

“One of the unheralded successes is the Stadium Management Advisory Committee which we established upon the redevelopment of the Stadium. I would like to thank those members on the Committee over the years along with our local community.”

Graham added “furthermore, I would like to thank the various Queensland Governments over my time and particularly, the excellent long-term relationship we have with the current Sports Minister (and former Rugby League referee) the Hon Tim Mander.

“I’ve also appreciated the support of our other partners Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and all the sporting codes and their governing authorities.”

During his tenure, Graham has welcomed the Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Roar, Queensland Reds, and the Dolphins to the venue as anchor tenants and has been a central figure in bringing international events such as EPL matches, Boxing events, World Cups, Extreme Sports and, more recently, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo who will come to the multi-use venue in February 2026.

The procurement of two of Queensland’s most memorable events, the Jeff Horn Fight as well as the hugely successful NRL Magic Round have been highlights delivering hundreds of thousands of hotel room nights and visitations which hugely impact the success of the greater Brisbane economy.

Another feather in his cap has been the introduction of concerts to the venue starting with Robbie Williams in 2006 and include Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, U2, Bon Jovi, Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Eminem, Coldplay, Phil Collins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, Luke Combs, Foo Fighters, One Direction, Justin Bieber, Queen, Guns N Roses, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Travis Scott and André Rieu.

As well as overseeing more than 800 events during his time, Graham ensured the venue has been active in the community with the Suncorp Stadium Annual Charity Golf Day and the Annual Christmas Day lunch two of the Stadiums more successful major community outreach programs.

The Golf Day alone has raised over $600,000 for charity partner Hear and Say with the venue adding Centre care’s Real & Diverse Theatre Group as a beneficiary in 2024 while the Annual

Christmas lunch has welcomed 200 disadvantaged locals for a three-course feast on Christmas Day for seven years running.

Graham also co-founded the Former Origin Greats (FOGs) where he remains on the board as a director.

Graham’s ongoing work with FOGs has helped preserve the spirit of the State of Origin series, honour the elite players who have represented Queensland since 1980 and support a range of charitable causes including actively mentoring Indigenous people and communities throughout the state.

Lister added “Alan has been a wonderful friend and mentor to many in the Legends ASM Global family and we look forward to welcoming him back to work with us on special projects into the future.”