NRL Magic Round 2026 Brisbane — Suncorp Stadium Guide
Eight NRL games. Three days. One incredible weekend. Magic Round 2026 is done — here's the full guide to relive it, and to plan for 2027. Poppies Southbank is 15 minutes from Suncorp Stadium on Little Stanley Street.
The biggest weekend in rugby league
What is Magic Round?
NRL Magic Round is the world's largest rugby league festival. Every team in the NRL plays at a single venue — Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane — over one massive weekend. It's eight games across three days, plus the Women's State of Origin on Thursday night.
Suncorp Stadium in Milton is the home of Magic Round, and it's a 15-minute walk from South Bank along Grey Street. If you're looking for restaurants near Suncorp Stadium before the game, Little Stanley Street is your best option — it's the closest dining precinct to the stadium with atmosphere, proper food, and a place to sit down.
For Brisbane, it's one of the biggest weekends on the calendar. Tens of thousands of fans descend on the city, and South Bank sits right in the middle of the action — a 15-minute walk from the stadium, with restaurants, bars, and the river right on your doorstep.
8
NRL Games
3
Days
16
Teams
52,500
Capacity
2026 results archive
Magic Round 2026 Results
All eight fixtures were completed at Suncorp Stadium, Milton
Thursday 14 May
Women's State of Origin
QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women
WSOO Game 2Friday 15 May
Day 1 — Double Header
Sharks vs Bulldogs
Rabbitohs vs Dolphins
Saturday 16 May
Day 2 — Triple Header
Wests Tigers vs Sea Eagles
Roosters vs Cowboys
Eels vs Storm
Sunday 17 May
Day 3 — Triple Header
Titans vs Knights
Warriors vs Broncos
Local DerbyPanthers vs Dragons
How the weekend was planned
Pre-Game Dining During Magic Round 2026
Poppies is a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium. These timing notes are retained as part of the 2026 event recap; use the current Game Day guide for upcoming fixtures.
Settle in for an early dinner before the double header. Order mains by 4:30 PM and you'll be walking to the ground by 5:15 PM.
Start with a long lunch. Saturday's first game kicks off at 3 PM, so arrive by noon for a relaxed meal before the triple header.
Between the first and second Saturday games, duck back to Poppies for a quick bite and a drink before the evening session.
Sunday brunch before the footy. We open at 7 AM — come for eggs, coffee, and a Bloody Mary before the final day of Magic Round.
Poppies to Suncorp
Getting to the Stadium
These were the travel options used during Magic Round 2026. Check the official event page for transport arrangements for any future stadium event.
Walk (15 minutes)
The easiest option. Head along Grey Street, cross the bridge, and continue up Caxton Street to the stadium. Flat, well-lit, and you'll pass plenty of pubs along the way.
Train (5 minutes + walk)
Catch a train from South Brisbane or South Bank station to Milton — it's just one stop. From Milton station, it's a 5-minute walk to the stadium via the pedestrian walkway.
Bus
The 61 bus runs from South Bank Busway Station to the Suncorp area. There's also a free City Shuttle from Central Station (Ann Street Stop 7) direct to the stadium.
Rideshare
Drop-off on Castlemaine Street or Milton Road. After the game, walk a few blocks from the stadium before ordering — the surge pricing and wait times are much better.
Triple-header recap
What to Do Between Games
Saturday and Sunday were triple headers. These South Bank ideas remain useful for planning another full day around Suncorp Stadium.
Streets Beach
Free man-made beach at South Bank — perfect for a break between games on a warm May afternoon.
South Bank Parklands
Stroll the riverside boardwalk, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs before the next kick-off.
Caxton Street
The pubs along Caxton Street are the traditional pre-game and between-game gathering spot for footy fans.
Poppies, of course
Duck back for a quick share plate and a glass of wine between games. We're only 15 minutes away.
Base yourself in South Bank
Where to Stay
South Bank was a popular base for Magic Round 2026. For current availability and event travel, check directly with each venue or accommodation provider.
Rydges South Bank
2 min walk to PoppiesRight on Grey Street, walking distance to both Poppies and the stadium
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
5 min walk to PoppiesRiverside location with easy access to South Bank Parklands
Emporium Hotel South Bank
5 min walk to PoppiesLuxury option in the heart of South Bank
The Milton Brisbane
5 min walk to SuncorpRight next to the stadium — ideal if the game is your priority
Sofitel Brisbane Central
10 min to PoppiesCity centre location, one train stop to Milton station
Got questions?
Magic Round FAQs
Poppies is about a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium. Head along Grey Street, cross the bridge, and continue up Caxton Street. It's a flat, well-lit walk.
Magic Round 2026 took place at Suncorp Stadium from Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May. All eight NRL fixtures are complete.
Use Poppies’ Game Day Dining guide for verified nearby fixtures, or check the official Suncorp Stadium calendar before making plans.
Poppies Southbank is approximately a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium along a flat, well-lit route from Little Stanley Street.
Yes. This page is retained as the 2026 recap and will be updated once official 2027 Magic Round information is announced.
Yes. Poppies is open for pre-event dining year-round. Check the current Game Day Dining guide or book directly for an upcoming event night.
Looking Ahead to Magic Round 2027
Magic Round 2026 was one of the biggest weekends of the year at Poppies. This recap will be updated once official 2027 dates and fixtures are announced. For confirmed current stadium events, use the Game Day guide.
View Current Game Day GuideJoin the Poppies Family
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