The good news keeps rolling in at Brisbane’s waterside village, Portside Wharf, with an exciting Australian-first sports and entertainment precinct to open later this year, complete with immersive baseball games and grandstands.
The Ballpark will occupy a 450sqm space in the Brisbane riverfront precinct, including a boardroom for the ultimate corporate day, and provide a new entertainment anchor for the revamped waterfront precinct.
The Ballpark managing director Ashley Johnson said the venue would offer a fresh take on traditional sports bars with baseball cages, pool tables, darts, a coffee shop and plenty of screens broadcasting all the major sporting events.
Fit-out of the venue is anticipated to start in the coming months.
“We aim to strike a balance between upmarket and inclusive to suit the local crowd while also appealing to families and those accompanying their sport-enthusiast friends,” Mr Johnson said.
“The entertainment options can cater to everything from kids’ birthday parties, to bucks and hens parties and corporate days; and we’ve got every taste covered from cocktails to coffee, burgers to bao buns.
“The Ballpark is the first of its kind in Australia and we’re aiming to be the best sports and entertainment venue in Brisbane.”
With a capacity of 300 people, The Ballpark offers multiple break-out spaces for various functions, parties and events including three baseball ‘cages’ – two with concrete grandstands and one VIP cage with private lounges.
The cages allow for an immersive baseball experience with real bats and balls hit into a virtual field with tracking, fielders and home runs in a full game simulation.
There are plenty of family-friendly spaces including an outdoor coffee shop, and a focus on becoming ‘the local’ with weekly trivia nights and drink specials.
Mr Johnson said when he pitched the idea for The Ballpark it was as an easy sell to his business partners.
“We want to create a friendly, neighbourhood hang-out where you’ll always find a familiar face and have loads of fun,” he said.
“Patrons can expect a laid-back atmosphere that turns electric during the big sporting events like footy finals, Melbourne Cup and Superbowl.
“Portside Wharf was an easy decision in terms of location with its prime riverfront position beaten only by its appeal to a wide and captive audience of local residents, workers and visitors.”
Brookfield Properties Executive Vice President Lee Butterworth said The Ballpark would anchor Portside Wharf’s extension, drawing crowds to the new area of the precinct while bringing a unique entertainment venue to Brisbane and Australia.
“People are looking for enriching experiences and The Ballpark adds another layer to the humble Aussie tradition of a sports bar,” he said.
“The new venue elevates the offering at Portside Wharf while complementing existing entertainment options, including Dendy Cinema and the soon-to-be opened gastro pub, Portside Social, and will attract a new crowd to the precinct.”
Portside Wharf is undergoing a $20 million rejuvenation program, which has resulted in 14 new venues joining the riverside village over the past 12 months, with more new openings on the horizon.
Choo Choo Sushi opened in February, while Brisbane restaurateur David Wang is completing fit-out on two establishments, Sugee Ramen and Uncle Wang, both anticipated to open this month, following hospitality hotspots Fosh and Rise Bakery, which opened in 2023.
The Ballpark is earmarked for completion in September in time for football finals, Spring Racing Carnival, Major League playoffs and Christmas party season.
“We’ll open our bookings from May so people can nab a spot early for their corporate days and Christmas parties,” said Mr Johnson.
“Plans are being finalised in preparation for fit-out and we are already compiling our winning team because we know good staff are key to creating an exceptional customer experience.”
The Ballpark has taken a seven-year lease.
Bookings can be made at theballpark.au/.
Brookfield Properties is currently offering retailer grants and incentives of up to $500,000 for new tenants who share its future vision, to help with the cost of setting up at Portside Wharf.
Opportunities available in the precinct range from 53sqm to 990sqm.
For more information about the incentives on offer, visit inportsidewharf.com.au.