History

Canberra Stadium was originally named Bruce Stadium, built for the 1977 Pacific Conference Games. The original seating capacity for the Stadium was 8,000 in one Grandstand on the West.

With the announcement of the 1985 World Cup Athletics Championship, the Stadium underwent its first redevelopment. New seating was fitted on the East side, increasing the capacity to 11,500, and a new synthetic running track was installed. In 1990 the Stadium was upgraded with Corporate Facilities and the running track was re-located to what is now the Australian Institute of Sport Athletics track.

The stadium played host to matches for the World Youth Soccer Cup in 1981 and the World Cup Athletics in 1985. In 1990, the stadium was upgraded and the running track removed. The Canberra Raiders moved to Bruce Stadium the same year.

In 1997, with the ACT being awarded the preliminary rounds of Olympic Football, the Stadium proceeded into its complete redevelopment. This saw the redevelopment of the East Stand, the dropping of the playing surface, the addition of bowl seating (increasing seating to 25,000) and an upgrade of the roofs on both the grandstands.

In 2014, Canberra Stadium unveiled a new exciting partnership with a new stadium sponsor; GIO, and the Stadium changed its official name to GIO Stadium Canberra.

The venue has played host to several major events including matches for the Rugby World Cup in 2003, the Masters Games in 2003, ANZAC NRL Test in 2013, AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 matches, British and Irish matches in 2013 and 2025, Rugby League World Cup 2017, various NRL and Super Rugby finals, Freestyle Kings, concerts and more.

The installation of the Video Replay Board in 2000 at the southern end, the northern end in 2024, the Motz Turf system and the upgrade of the Corporate facilities and lounges has improved facilities and the game day experience for GIO Stadium Canberra.

Looking into the future, GIO Stadium Canberra’s staff and partners remain committed to serving as a key venue for local, national and international events in the heart of the national capital.