Your pre-game dining guide
Dinner Before State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium
Poppies Southbank sits on Little Stanley Street — a 15-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium. Start your Origin night with a proper meal, not a stadium queue.
Australia's greatest rivalry
What is State of Origin?
State of Origin is rugby league's biggest stage. Three games a year, Queensland Maroons versus New South Wales Blues, played with an intensity that makes regular season football look like a warm-up. It's been running since 1980 and it still stops the country.
When Origin comes to Brisbane, the city transforms. Suncorp Stadium — the Cauldron — holds just over 52,000, and every seat will be full. The atmosphere under the lights is something you have to experience in person to understand.
Game 3 in 2026 lands on a Wednesday night in July. If the series is level, it's a decider. If Queensland have already wrapped it up, it's a celebration. Either way, it's one of the best nights on the Brisbane sporting calendar.
52,500
Capacity
3
Game Series
15 min
Walk from Poppies
Mark your calendar
2026 Ampol State of Origin Schedule
Game 1: QLD Maroons vs NSW Blues
Game 2: QLD Maroons vs NSW Blues
Game 3: QLD Maroons vs NSW Blues
Brisbane — Book dinner at Poppies
Skip the stadium food
Why Start Your Origin Night at Poppies
Proper Food, Not Stadium Pies
Australian fusion dishes made from scratch. Start with the salt and pepper calamari, follow with a steak or the snow crab linguine. This is how you fuel up for Origin.
Get the Group Together
Round up the crew for a pre-game feed. We can seat groups of all sizes — just let us know when you book and we'll have your table ready.
15-Minute Walk to Suncorp
Straight along Grey Street and up Caxton Street. The walk is flat, well-lit, and half the fun — you'll be surrounded by fans heading the same way.
Pre-Game Drinks Done Right
Signature cocktails, local craft beers, and a wine list that goes beyond the basics. Start the night properly before you hit the stadium.
Your evening, planned
The Pre-Game Timeline
Book for 5:00 PM and you'll have a relaxed dinner with time to walk to Suncorp before kick-off.
5:00 PM
Arrive at Poppies
Settle in on Little Stanley Street. Start with a cocktail or a cold beer while you look over the menu. No rush — you've got time.
5:15 PM
Order Your Meal
Our kitchen is ready for pre-game diners. Starters arrive in 10 minutes, mains in 20. We know you've got somewhere to be.
6:15 PM
Dessert or Another Round
Time for something sweet or one more drink. The atmosphere on Little Stanley Street starts building as fans head toward the stadium.
6:45 PM
Walk to Suncorp
Head out along Grey Street and across to Caxton Street. The 15-minute walk is part of the experience — the crowd energy builds with every block.
7:00 PM
Arrive at Suncorp
Gates are open, the atmosphere is electric. Find your seat, grab a beer, and soak it in. You're fed, relaxed, and ready for kick-off.
8:05 PM
Kick-Off
Game on. Queensland vs New South Wales under the Suncorp lights. There's nothing quite like it.
It's closer than you think
Getting to Suncorp from Poppies
Walk (15 minutes)
The most popular option on game night. Head along Grey Street, cross the bridge, and continue up Caxton Street. You'll be walking with thousands of other fans — it's part of the experience. Flat the whole way, well-lit, and easy to follow.
Train (10 minutes)
South Brisbane station is a 5-minute walk from Poppies. Catch a train one stop to Milton, then walk 5 minutes to the stadium. Trains run frequently on game nights, but expect crowds after the match.
Bus
The Cultural Centre bus station is a 3-minute walk from our door. Several routes pass through Milton and the stadium precinct. Check TransLink for game-day timetables.
Tip: Street parking fills up fast on Origin nights. Public transport or walking is the way to go.
From the locals
Tips for Origin Night in Brisbane
Book Early
Origin nights book out fast. Reserve your table at least a week ahead, especially for groups.
Wear Your Colours
Maroon or blue, South Bank will be a sea of jerseys. Get into the spirit — our staff won't judge (much).
Leave by 7:00 PM
A 5:00 PM booking gives you a comfortable 2-hour window. Leave by 7 and you'll be in your seat well before kick-off.
Soak Up the Atmosphere
Little Stanley Street buzzes on Origin night. The walk to the stadium through Caxton Street is an event in itself.
Quick answers
State of Origin Dining FAQs
Don't leave it to game day
Book Your Pre-Origin Table
State of Origin nights are some of our busiest of the year. Secure your spot on Little Stanley Street and start the night right.
Reserve Your Table15-minute walk to Suncorp Stadium
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