GIO Canberra Stadium might not be the biggest sporting venue in Australia, but it is one that has a rich and varied history.
From athletics, baseball and soccer to rugby union, rugby league and international rules, many different types of sports have been played here. Showcasing the talents of some of the world’s most iconic sports stars.
Over the years it has also been a concert venue for international music acts like Elton John and Keith Urban.
But how much do you know about the stadium?
In this article, as part of our series review of professional Aussie sports stadiums, we will tell you all about it.
About the Stadium
GIO Canberra Stadium is a premier sporting and entertainment venue located in Bruce, a suburb of Canberra in Australia.
Originally called Bruce Stadium, it was built for the 1977 Pacific Conference Games by Leighton Contractors, having been designed by architect Philip Cox. At the time of its opening, it had a seating capacity of 8000, which was situated within one grandstand on its western side.
However, over the years the stadium has undergone several upgrades and renovations, including a major redevelopment in 2017, which saw the installation of new seating, improved accessibility, upgraded media facilities, and new scoreboards.
Today the stadium is owned by the Australian Government via the Australian Sports Commission. It is also the largest sports venue in Canberra. Boasting modern facilities and infrastructure and a capacity of 25,000.
What Sports Are Played at the GIO Canberra Stadium?
The most popular sports played at the venue are NRL and Rugby Union, with both the Canberra Raiders (NRL) and ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby) calling the ground home.
The stadium has hosted Australian international matches in both codes as well as group stage games for the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the 2008 and 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Soccer is another sport that has regularly been played at the stadium. It was the home ground of Canberra City FC and Canberra Cosmos FC between 1977 and 2001. While 2015 AFC Asian Cup, 1988 and 2000 Women’s Olympic Games and some men’s FIFA World Cup Qualification games have been hosted here.
Other sports that have taken place at the stadium include baseball, international rules and Australian Rules Football. It also hosted the 1977 Pacific Conference Games and was also the venue for the 4th IAAF World Cup in Athletics.
Other Events
In addition to these sporting events, the GIO Canberra Stadium has also hosted some noted music concerts over the years.
This includes a date on Elton John’s 40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man tour in 2012, as well as Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood’s Ripcord World Tour in 2016.
Three years later Keith Urban also performed here with Julia Michaels on their Graffiti U World Tour.
Facilities
GIO Canberra Stadium is a modern multi-purpose stadium with a range of facilities designed to enhance the spectator experience.
The stadium has a big video scoreboard and features modern restroom facilities, including accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. There are also several first aid stations located throughout it that are staffed by trained medical personnel.
For those with disabilities, the stadium has a range of facilities to ensure accessibility, including 220 disabled viewing seats, ramps, and lifts. There are also designated parking spaces for people with disabilities located close to the stadium entrance and an audio loop for those who have impaired hearing.
Additionally, media facilities at the ground include 8 enclosed television and radio commentary positions, 16 press and observer seats and a photographer working area near the playing field.
Other facilities include 46 deluxe suites that can accommodate up to 550 people, a couple of lounges that can hold between 200 and 400 people and some 60 open boxes that have enough seating for a minimum of 8 people.
How to get to the stadium
Located in the Canberra suburb of Bruce, there are several ways to get to GIO Canberra Stadium from in and around the city.
By car, the stadium is easily accessible via the nearby main roads of Belconnen Way and Gungahlin Drive. There are several parking options available at the stadium, including on-site parking for both cars and motorcycles, as well as parking in nearby streets and at the University of Canberra, which is close by.
For those using public transport, the stadium is easy to get to by bus. A regular bus service runs from the city centre to the stadium on game days, with several bus stops located within walking distance of it.
Alternatively, visitors can take the light rail to the nearby stop at the University of Canberra, which is a short walk from the stadium. The light rail runs from the city centre to Gungahlin, with stops at several major destinations along the way.
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available in Canberra and can be used to get to the stadium. A designated taxi rank is located near the main entrance of the stadium for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Food in ground
There are several food options available at the GIO Canberra Stadium, ranging from fast food to more substantial meals. The venue features a range of food outlets including kiosks, cafes, and bars, that cater to the diverse tastes of its visitors.
For the traditional sports food lover, one popular food option is Vili’s Pie Van which offers a tasty range of pies and sausage rolls. There are also several other kiosks located throughout the stadium that offer items such as burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and fries. These include Burgers & Bar, Big Fat Hen, Snag Street dogs and the NY Grill.
You can also get a pizza at Jacko’s Pizza and fish n chips from Jimmy’s Catch. While the Euro Grill does good gyros.
If you are after a healthier option, Healthy Lifestyle has a good selection of vegan pasties, gluten-free pies and gourmet salad bowls and snack pots.
OMG Donuts and Lolly and Sox also offer options for those who have vegan, vegetarian, coeliac or gluten-free dietary requirements.
In addition to the food options, there are several bars that offer both alcoholic and soft drinks, which you can enjoy whilst watching the game.
Accommodation near the ground
If you are planning on watching a game but need a place to stay overnight to do so, there are several good options you can choose from.
One regular choice among sports lovers is the nearby ibis Styles Canberra Eaglehawk, which is located just a short distance from the stadium and offers modern and stylish rooms at an affordable price. The hotel also has a good range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Nearby, the Mercure Canberra is also a good choice. Located in the heart of Canberra, it offers spacious and elegant rooms with all the modern amenities you could want. It also has an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness centre for guests to enjoy.
If you would prefer to stay in a more self-contained environment, the Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court is a terrific choice. It offers spacious and fully equipped apartments in a convenient location near Canberra Stadium. These apartments feature full kitchens, laundry facilities,
and separate living areas, making them a great option for families or groups of mates.
The Abode Belconnen, which is located just a short drive from the stadium, is another place to consider, providing comfortable and modern apartment-style accommodation. Likewise, the Mantra MacArthur Hotel, presents contemporary and spacious rooms in a convenient location not too far from the city centre.
Good pubs to visit
There are several good pubs to visit on match day near Canberra Stadium, offering an excellent range of food, drinks, and entertainment options.
One of the most popular pubs in the area is The RUC, which is situated just a short distance from the stadium. This local institution features a range of beers on tap, as well as a classic pub menu, and often hosts live music and other events.
Another good option is The Lighthouse, which is located in the nearby suburb of Belconnen. A spacious and modern pub, it presents a range of craft beers, cocktails, and pub-style food, and features a large outdoor area with plenty of seating.
The Tradies Club is much loved by locals and sports fans alike, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a range of dining options, including a Chinese restaurant, a bistro, and a cafe. It also has a sports bar and gaming lounge, making it a great spot to catch up with friends before or after the game.
For those looking for something a bit more upmarket, Blackfire Restaurant and Bar is a stylish option. It has an elevated menu of contemporary Australian cuisine and an extensive wine list and is set within a space that has chic decor and a welcoming atmosphere.
Quick Stats
Address: Battye St, Bruce ACT 2617
Capacity: 25,011
Opened: 1977
Field size: Not officially recorded
Record attendance: 28,753 – Brumbies vs Crusaders, 2004 Super 12 Final