Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - Your Matchday Guide

Known for its electric atmosphere and rugby heritage, Suncorp Stadium will stage two key fixtures: the Lions vs Queensland Reds on July 2, followed by the first test against the Wallabies on July 19. This iconic Brisbane venue is a fortress for Aussie rugby fans. Situated in Milton, just west of Brisbane's CBD, the area around Suncorp Stadium is well-known for its lively pub culture. You'll discover a range of establishments from historic pubs with a classic charm to more contemporary bars, many offering outdoor spaces ideal for enjoying the Brisbane weather before or after a match.

Best Guinness Venues Near Suncorp Stadium

The Caxton Hotel, Brisbane

The Cacko will be heaving with rugby fans this British & Irish Lions Tour, and my word, they are ready for it. Meet-up for a cheeky pint of Guinness here to kick-off your day or if you really want to dial-in, treat yourself to their exclusive Lions pre-match dinner & beverage package which includes a 3 course meal and a 2.5 hour drinks package.

Now you are left with two decisions, and you can't make a wrong decision with either; Join in the march with rugby fans in the couple minute journey to Suncorp Stadium or set yourself up in The Cauldron Bar. If choosing the latter, plant yourself in front of the big screen and spread your wings, because you'll be rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest 'coulda beens' of all time. To top it all off, The Caxton runs late, so finish your night off right with a glass with the harp in one hand and the other fist pumping the air.

The Normanby Hotel, Red Hill

If there's one thing you need to know about The Normanby, it's that they are ready to rumble. They've pulled out all the stops, transforming their car park into the ultimate party destination for rugby fans fit with a gigantic screen to catch the action, and additional pop-up bars so you aren't twiddling your thumbs whilst waiting for that creamy pint of Guinness.

If you are heading to Suncorp Stadium, The Normanby Hotel is only a 10-minute stroll away, which makes stopping in before the game to catch the live Irish bands a no-brainer. Just remember if you have tickets to the game because it'll be easy to settle-in here.

The Lord Alfred Hotel, Brisbane

This is the ultimate Lions Fan Zone. The Lord Alfred is burning it from both ends all tour, opening early and closing the doors late. On match day, Guinness start's pouring from 9am and the live music kicks off from 12pm, but importantly you will catch all of the gutsy moments on the humongous screen in the car park or on one of the two video walls inside.

Don't just get to the Lord Alfred on game day, they'll have you cracking in at the Test Eve Car Park Party and helping you shake that morning fog at the recovery party post test.

Paddo Tavern, Paddington

If it's proximity to Suncorp you're looking for, then look now further, dear sports fan, looking for a venue in close proximity to Suncorp. How close is it? Well, if the stadium had transparent walls, you could stand in the beer garden and watch the action on the pitch live.

The reality is, Suncorp won't be rebuilding entirely in glass any time soon. Lucky for you the Paddo has more screens than you could poke a pint of Guinness at, so no need to bring the binoculars to see some Rugby Union. So, there we have it. It's British & Irish Lions, you and a delicious pint of Guinness coming together in perfect harmony. All that's left to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the action before, during or after the game.

Finn McCool's, Fortitude Valley

If you find yourself in Brisbane’s famed Fortitude Valley in need of a pint with just as much fortitude as the valley itself (Guinness, obviously) then Finn McCool’s is your new favourite pub. These guys show a heap of live sport so they know what they are doing when the Lions Tour comes to town.

They are also setting a huge outdoor screen up for the matches, so if you don’t have a ticket this could be the best spot to perch yourself with a pint of top quality Guinness. Travel wise you’ll be getting a train (10 min ride) from Fortitude Valley station to Milton Station and then strolling to Suncorp.

Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside, Brisbane

A slice of Britain on the banks of the Brisbane River Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside is a go to venue for live sport in Brisbane’s CBD. Ask Anyone. They have screens throughout as well as a big screen at the heart of the bar. If you head here during the tour you can be guaranteed to be joined by other fans revelling in the vibe that comes but once every 12 years.

The Lions tour. Guinness? Well its flowing through the taps so fast you can feel it settling as you walk in the door, heaven. You may have to ask yourself, do you want to be the fan that missed going to the Home of the British and Irish Lions whilst you were in town? I wouldn’t. Over to you

Gilhooley's, Brisbane

Gilhooley’s is another of Brisbane’s great Irish pubs. Their mantra? Céad Míle Fáilte “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes”. Is that enough welcomes for you? They love Rugby at Gilhooley’s and they’ll be showing all games live and loud. The Guinness is exceptional, the food is great and the vibe is just right.

The pub is 30 min walk from the ground which is doable but the tricky thing might be leaving this place if you truly settled in (don’t miss the game). You have been warned.

Irish Murphy's, Brisbane

Find yourself in the CBD before the game in need of a Guinness? Irish Murphy’s might just be your best bet. There's almost no time of day you could walk into this place and not find less than a dozen Guinness settling on the bar, as you know this is the sign of a good pub.

The pub is also known as a live music venue with bands on 7 nights a week. It is a 25 min stroll to Suncorp or you can get a bus nearby to and from the ground. If it is a traditional Irish atmosphere and a quality pint you want fro your time in Brissy then roll up to Irish Murphy’s.