Ground-breaking move for NRL venue

Dolphins’ NRL stadium will be converted to an international softball diamond when the World Cup Finals come to Moreton Bay next year.

The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals will be at Kayo Stadium as Queensland’s first major international team event on the runway to the 2032 Olympic Games.

Aussie Spirit will take on the other top seven nations in the world from April 5-11 in a stadium converted specifically for softball.

With endorsement from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) the competition diamond will move from Talobilla Park to Kayo Stadium.

Organisers say upgrades will include enhanced broadcast capability and accessibility at Kayo Stadium and new infrastructure for Redcliffe.

Talobilla Park will remain a core part of the tournament footprint, serving as the Official Warm-Up and Training Venue.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh made the announcement in Kippa-Ring today with Mayor Peter Flannery, Dolphins Group President Bob Jones, Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer and State Member for Redcliffe Kerrie-Anne Dooley.

They were joined by representatives from Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association and Softball Queensland, as well as members of the Aussie Spirit and Head Coach Kerrie Porter.

Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said hosting the Softball World Cup will encourage more women and girls to participate in the sport.

“We know when the best athletes in the world compete in our backyard, as they will in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, more Queensland kids will be inspired to get out and be active,” Minister Mander said.

“Queensland is the home of Australian sport and hosting major events like the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals next year will further enhance our state’s reputation globally.”

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said: “Hosting the World Cup Finals at Kayo Stadium allows us to present women’s softball on a truly international stage.

“This is about elevating softball, showcasing our sport to new audiences and creating more opportunities for people to discover and fall in love with softball, particularly young girls and women.”

Kayo Stadium has a capacity of 10,000. It first opened in 1979 and was redeveloped between 2016 and 2020.

“Hosting this event in City of Moreton Bay reinforces our commitment to supporting sport and attracting major events that deliver lasting community and economic benefits,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“Council has worked hard to support this innovative approach and is delighted to welcome players, fans and team support to our City, further building our reputation as a destination for major sporting events.”

Fans can register for ticket updates via Softball Australia.