The Brisbane stadium is managed by ASM Global and the company’s chairman and CEO, Harvey Lister, has made the announcement, praising Graham’s legacy of more than 800 major events at the venue.
“Alan has been our general manager at Suncorp Stadium since 2002, except for a two-year secondment when he managed the Indoor Basketball Arena for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 for ASM Global.
“He is one of a kind and his departure will be felt across the industry.
“We are finalising arrangements for a very capable successor who will carry on Alan’s great work at the stadium.
“We will be in a position to make that announcement in the next two weeks.”
Graham helped steer the reopening of the rebuilt Suncorp Stadium in 2003, and during his time at the helm he has overseen 220 Brisbane Broncos games, 27 State of Origins, six Bledisloe Cups and 30 rugby union internationals, in addition to around 60 events a year, including major stadium concerts and other spectaculars.
“Suncorp Stadium is synonymous with Queensland and to be able to shape its story is something that has meant a great deal to me,” says Graham.
“My time at Suncorp Stadium has been made all the more enjoyable by the incredible staff we have had during the years.
“To the Legends ASM Global family – in particular Harvey Lister, Rod Pilbeam and Bob O’Keeffe – I would like to thank you for your support during the years.
“I’d like to acknowledge Stadiums Queensland and its CEO, Todd Harris. We have appreciated their role as the nominated owner of the stadium on behalf of the state of Queensland and how they have entrusted us to use our expertise to manage the stadium that has become universally recognised as the best rugby league stadium in the world.”
Graham also thanks the various partners to Suncorp Stadium during his more than two decades in charge of the venue.
“I have also enjoyed the close working relationship we have shared with our catering partner, the O’Brien Group Australia,” he says.
“One of the unheralded successes is the Stadium Management Advisory Committee, which we established upon the redevelopment of the stadium.
“I would like to thank those members on the committee during the years along with our local community.
“Furthermore, I would like to thank the various Queensland governments during my time, particularly the excellent long-term relationship we have with the current Sports Minister – and former rugby league referee – Tim Mander.
“I’ve also appreciated the support of our other partners, Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and all the sporting codes and their governing authorities.”
