The RNA Showgrounds will undergo a $287.5 million transformation with construction to start in September, after the 2026 Ekka.
The major upgrades include a 20,000 seat Main Arena, a new Machinery Hill grandstand, horse pavilion, and accessibility improvements at the Bowen Hills site in Brisbane.
The Queensland Government funding comes with a guarantee that the show will remain at its home through to the 2032 Games and beyond. The only year the Ekka won’t be held is in 2032 Games year.
Hutchinson Builders has been selected to make the vision a reality, with demolition of Machinery Hill and enabling infrastructure expected to begin in September 2026.
This follows last year’s works which have already been undertaken, including restoration works on two heritage-listed grandstands.
The future Brisbane Athlete Village will overlook the Showgrounds and will be the largest village for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, accommodating thousands of athletes and officials before becoming a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
RNA CEO Brendan Christou said the announcement reinforced the long-term future of the Ekka at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
“As Queenslanders celebrate 150 years of Ekka this year, this announcement ensures that our iconic and beloved Show remains here, at its birthplace, for another 150 years,” Mr Christou said.
“The upgraded Main Arena will strengthen the Showgrounds as a destination for major events, entertainment and community life, while allowing us to welcome the world during the Games, and ensure the Ekka remains at the heart of the site for generations to come.”
