Suncorp Stadium staff are on alert in case Brisbane’s wild weather worsens on Friday and forces the cancellation of the Roar’s A-League clash with Melbourne Victory.
Tropical Cyclone Marcia is bearing down on the Queensland coast and is expected to bring high winds and as much as 500mm of rain to the south-east region.
Suncorp Stadium manager Alan Graham said while Friday night’s A-League match is still set to go ahead, that could change should the storm intensify.
“We’re talking about a cyclone,” he said.
“We just need to be aware if we get the full force of that, obviously any outdoor activity would be in jeopardy.
“We don’t know the extent to which that might happen, nobody can give you a 100 per cent guarantee.
“We are mindful of the forecast and we’ll need to continually review after monitoring developments over the next 24 hours.”
Graham said he is confident Suncorp’s controversial surface will remain playable through the anticipated deluge and the week of heavy stadium traffic that lies ahead.
The Queensland Reds will hold their first Super Rugby home game of the season on Saturday night, while the Foo Fighters will play a concert at the venue on Tuesday night.
Parts of the pitch, which was widely criticised by players and coaches during the Asian Cup, have been relaid after a One Direction concert last week, and more grass will be replaced next week.
Graham said the field is designed to drain at a rate of 100mm of rain per hour and will stand up through the weekend and beyond.
“In terms of the field itself, its eminently playable,” he said.
“We’ve got to have activity on the field, that’s what we’re here for, and you’re going to expect some wear and tear.”
Australia’s Cricket World Cup clash with Bangladesh at the Gabba on Saturday night is also under threat because of the expected downpour.
The upper tiers at Suncorp Stadium will be open on Friday night to provide supporters with refuge from the rain.
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