Ekka’s future secured for 2032 and beyond

• First look of $287.5 million revitalisation of RNA Showgrounds with construction to start after this year’s Ekka. 
• Major upgrades will deliver a legacy with 20,000 seat Main Arena, grandstands, horse pavilion and accessibility upgrades.
• Ekka’s future secured with the show to continue at Bowen Hills throughout construction.
• The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland’s future and keeping 2032 back on track after 1,200 days of Labor Games chaos. 

The Crisafulli Government has secured The Ekka’s future, with a major revitalisation of the iconic showgrounds and confirmation the show will remain at its home through to the 2032 Games and beyond.  

Ahead of The Ekka’s 150th anniversary, the first look at the $287.5 million transformation

of the RNA Showgrounds and surrounding precinct has been revealed, including major expansions and upgrades of the iconic venue.  

Delivered in partnership with the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), the upgrade of the 20,000-seat Main Arena is at the heart of the transformation, including a new Machinery Hill grandstand and horse pavilion as well as significant accessibility improvements.  

The Main Arena upgrade will secure a brighter future for the show and enhance the precinct’s entertainment and events capability for decades to come.  

Hutchinson Builders has been selected to make the vision a reality and work will get underway shortly after this year’s Ekka, with demolition of Machinery Hill and enabling infrastructure expected to begin in September 2026. 

Importantly, the Ekka will continue to be held at the RNA while construction is underway and the only year The Ekka won’t be held will be in 2032. 

This follows last year's works which have already been undertaken, including restoration works on two heritage-listed grandstands and planning and design for the Main Arena upgrade.  

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. 

The showground’s transformation is funded as part of the Crisafulli Government’s $3.5 billion investment in athlete villages for the 2032 Games and beyond.  

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was getting the Games back on track while also continuing to help ease Labor’s Housing Crisis.  

“This is about securing the future of an iconic Queensland institution while creating a world-class precinct for events, entertainment and inner-city living,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said. 

“After 1,200 days of Labor Games Chaos, the Crisafulli Government is ensuring 2032 remains back on track, and Queenslanders can benefit from generational infrastructure for decades to come. 

“The Ekka’s future is not only secured, it’ll be bigger and better than ever and also able to continue while construction is underway.” 

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.”