Brisbane is set to become Australia’s footy capital as Queen’s Wharf Brisbane unveils Fan Land, a new, free and vibrant hub where sports fans can immerse themselves in the thrill of Magic Round weekend, May 1-4.
Fan Land, presented by Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in partnership with global experiential agency Rizer, will invite Brisbane to experience four adrenaline-pumping days of high-energy entertainment and engaging activations that will invigorate Queen’s Wharf precinct like never before.
Fans can watch every National Rugby League Magic Round game on Brisbane’s biggest outdoor sports screen, a 9 m x 5 m, 350-inch LED display that will ensure no one misses a moment.
With a diverse line-up of interactive games, entertainment, DJs, iconic commentators and footy legends, Fan Land wants to attract sports fans who prefer to enjoy the weekend with their family and friends or have missed out on the opportunity of scoring tickets – or want to mix up days in the stadium with other activities.
The event will be complemented by fan-favourite food and drink options, jam-packed entertainment schedules consisting of roving performers, interactive experiences in an open-aired bazaar and even an interactive try-line, all designed to enhance the Magic Round experience, offering a space where spectators don’t just watch the games; they live it.
Daniel Finch, Chief Executive Officer The Star Brisbane says the precinct will revolutionise the way Brisbane experiences sport with Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon.
"Fan Land is a first-of-its-kind experience and is set to transform the way our Olympic city enjoys and creates connections through sport,” Daniel says.
"The event is one of the many ways we want to support Brisbane and interstate sports fans to get close to the Magic Round action without being at the games. Only 3 km from Suncorp Stadium, fans of all teams will be able to hear the roar of the games in a space equivalent to the size of two football fields, that is purely designed to give them an experience unlike any other.
"Fan Land is part of a roster of events Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will host within free and easily accessible public spaces throughout the resort and precinct. I look forward to seeing the city come alive with energy, passion and an undeniable love for sport.”
Team of Footy Legends and special guests will host the crowds
Fan Land will welcome iconic guests, including Willie Mason and Justin Horo, as official MCs and hosts across the four-day event. To launch a huge Saturday of NRL action, Matty, Trish, Jack and Cooper Johns will be on site for a special recording of The Johns Family Podcast – Live Edition.
Social media sensations and twin brothers Archie and Miles Shepherd — better known as The Shepmates — will kick off festivities on Thursday, May 1 for the NSW vs Queensland Women’s State of Origin match.
Famous for their viral lip-sync sports commentary and sharp comedy takes on all things footy, The Shepmates will help set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of sport and entertainment.
Barry Wafer, Founder and CEO of event and experiential agency Rizer Global, says Fan Land will be an immersive live spectacle where the energy of sport collides with the magic of performance.
"Rizer is thrilled to be partnering with Queen’s Wharf Brisbane to once again bring our show craft and storytelling expertise to Brisbane.
"Fan Land will transform the Level 7 Leisure Deck into a vibrant arena of dynamic entertainment, interactive experiences and unforgettable ‘up-close’ moments with surprise special guests. Unlike a sports bar or stadium seat, this is where you’re truly in the heart of the action.
"From high-octane performances to electrifying peak moments, Fan Land will come alive through large-scale production and pyrotechnics designed to make every sports fan feel like part of the show.”
The leisure deck will feature three key entertainment zones: The Bowl, an ultimate fan zone for watching the live Magic Round broadcasts on Brisbane’s biggest screen; The Box, a central entertainment hub where iconic MCs and commentators will bring the energy with live trivia, comedy and crowd interaction; as well as The Block, a vibrant bazaar-style hub where fans can explore interactive photo moments, arcade games, performance-based challenges and food and beverage stalls.
Fan Land will be open to the public Thursday, May 1– Sunday, May 4, kicking off the weekend on Thursday, May 1 at 5 pm with the NSW vs Queensland Women’s State of Origin.
For more information about the event, agenda and timings, click here.
