50 days to go until British and Irish Lions roar into Queensland
- 50 days to go until the British and Irish Lions First Test at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025 is expected to inject close to $55.5 million into Queensland economy.
- The Lions tour Australia every 12 years.
The Crisafulli Government has today marked 50 days to go until the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions kick off their three-match series at Suncorp Stadium.
The Lions tour Australia every 12 years, bringing thousands of travelling fans in celebration of the game played in heaven.
More than 38,000 visitors to Queensland are anticipated for the tour – and with two matches in Queensland – it is expected to generate close to $55.5 million for the Queensland economy.
The Queensland Reds will play the tourists in a warmup game at Suncorp Stadium on July 2, before offloading the spotlight to the Wallabies who look to fend off the Lions in the First Test on July 19.
Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the tour is always a major highlight in Australian rugby.
"Queenslanders have had the British and Irish Lions tour marked on their calendars for the past 12 years and the wait is almost over," Minister Mander said.
"We can't wait for the incredible atmosphere that the British and Irish Lions fans guarantee: the chants, comradery and fanfare make for an unforgettable night, and where better than the world's best football stadium?
"This is the beginning of our golden runway of rugby for Queensland, as we get ready to host the Men's World Cup in 2027 and the Women's World Cup in 2029.
"We hope that this sporting spectacle will inspire many young Queenslanders to get active and get involved in sport as we approach the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the matches cement Queensland's reputation as a global destination for high-profile sport events.
"With 50 days to go, it's not just Suncorp Stadium that is set to roar louder than ever – so will our visitor economy," said Minister Powell.
"The Lions are coming, and so are the tens of thousands of international fans ready to explore the best of what our State has to offer."
"We are looking forward to the no vacancy signs coming out, our food and drink venues full and for tourism operators to be showing the best of our state to the visitors."
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said excitement was building ahead of this blockbuster sporting event.
"After 12 years, the Lions will return to a packed-out Suncorp Stadium for one of the largest sporting events of the year so far," Cr Schrinner said.
"Brisbane is Australia's lifestyle capital, and events like this attract more visitors from near and far to our city, boosting our local businesses and tourism as the whole city comes alive with passion and pride.
"Brisbane lives and breathes sport – it's part of our DNA – so we can't wait to welcome the British and Irish Lions to our shores this June and July."
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said the series will be a rare treat for fans.
"With just 50 days to go until the First Test, and what's going to be an unforgettable Lions Tour here in Australia, excitement is rapidly building," said Mr Waugh.
"The Lions have 40,000 fans expected to head down under for the six-week Tour. Their 'Sea of Red' will be highly visible, and we will be doing our best to counter with plenty of Wallaby gold.
"There's still a small number of tickets available, so I would encourage you to move quickly before they're gone. It's going to be an incredible lifetime experience."
The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
