Kayo Stadium to Undergo Innovative Transformation for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and Softball Australia have announced that Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe will host the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals from 5 to 11 April 2027.

The premier rugby league venue will be entirely converted into a purpose-built, international-standard softball diamond to accommodate the elite tournament.

Moving the tournament from a traditional park layout to a modern stadium infrastructure marks Queensland’s first major international team event locked in on the “green and gold runway” leading toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Commenting on the annouuncement, Softball Australia CEO, Sarah Loh, said: “Hosting the World Cup Finals at Kayo Stadium allows us to present women’s softball on a truly international stage.”

“This is about elevating softball, showcasing our sport to new audiences, and creating more opportunities for people, particularly young girls and women, to discover and fall in love with softball,” Loh said.

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP, added:“The Aussie Spirit will compete in front of 10,000 fans in a world-class venue — that’s the atmosphere an LA28 Olympic qualifier deserves.”

“This isn’t just a tournament, it’s a legacy. Young girls around Australia will watch the Aussie Spirit compete on the world stage and dare to dream,” she said.

Kayo Stadium sets Major Infrastructure and Fan Experience Upgrades

The transition from the previously considered Talobilla Park directly addresses the growing commercial demands of women’s sport. Kayo Stadium, the established home of the NRL’s Redcliffe Dolphins, offers substantial operational advantages:

• Spectator Capacity: Grandstand seating to comfortably accommodate up to 10,000 fans.
• Broadcast Excellence: Access to elite, high-quality broadcast lighting, a giant video screen, and premium media facilities.
• Fan Accessibility: Streamlined public transport links via the adjacent Kippa-Ring train station, alongside superior precinct amenities.

While Kayo Stadium will secure all primary competition fixtures, Talobilla Park remains a core part of the official event footprint, shifting its utility to serve as the tournament’s high-performance training and warm-up base.

Path to the LA28 Olympic Games

The sporting stakes remain incredibly high for the tournament, as the week-long Finals double as an official LA28 Olympic qualifier. The national women’s team, the Aussie Spirit, will compete alongside seven of the world’s top-ranked nations, with the tournament winner earning a direct, coveted berth into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic softball competition.

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