Kayo Stadium will swap rugby league goalposts for home plates after the Dolphins’ home ground was selected to host the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, bringing international teams and global attention to Moreton Bay.
The tournament will run from 5 to 11 April 2027, with organisers confirming the stadium will be converted into a purpose-built softball diamond for the event. The finals will also serve as a qualifying pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Organisers have described the tournament as Queensland’s first major international team event linked to the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Officials from Softball Australia, the City of Moreton Bay, the Dolphins organisation and Softball Queensland gathered at Kayo Stadium this week to confirm the venue announcement alongside members of the Aussie Spirit national team.
Softball Australia chief executive Sarah Loh said the stadium setting would give the sport a larger audience and create stronger connections with young players and families across the country. She said the event was expected to encourage more girls and women to become involved in softball.
Photo Credit: Scott Powick Softball Australia Media/Supplied
From Dolphins Territory to International Softball Diamond
Kayo Stadium has long been known as the home of the Dolphins and one of Queensland’s established rugby league venues.
The switch to softball will see the ground temporarily redesigned with an international-standard diamond, enhanced broadcast facilities and upgraded spectator access for the tournament.
Photo Credit: Scott Powick Softball Australia Media/SUPPLIED
The 10,000-seat venue already features modern player facilities, stadium lighting and transport links through Kippa-Ring station, making it suitable for an event expected to draw teams and supporters from around the world.
For local sports fans, the tournament will mark a rare shift from the stadium’s usual rugby league setup to an international softball layout.
Dolphins Group president Bob Jones joined the announcement in Redcliffe, highlighting the partnership between the rugby league club, Softball Australia and Moreton Bay Council in bringing the event to the area.
Talobilla Park to Host Training and Warm-Up Sessions
While Kayo Stadium will host the main tournament matches, Talobilla Park will continue to play a major role throughout the week.
The Redcliffe softball venue, which had originally been announced as the tournament host site, will instead operate as the official training and warm-up base for competing teams.
That means international players and coaching staff are expected to spend time across multiple parts of the Peninsula during the event.
Mr Peter Flannery said the tournament would help strengthen Moreton Bay’s standing as a destination for major sporting events while also bringing long-term benefits to the community.
He said the partnership between council, Softball Australia and the Dolphins would help keep Redcliffe closely connected to the World Cup experience even with activities spread across different venues.
Local Softball Clubs Prepare for World Cup Spotlight
The arrival of the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals is expected to place fresh attention on grassroots softball across the region.
Representatives from Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association attended the announcement, with organisers pointing to the opportunity for local juniors to watch elite international players compete in their own backyard.
The Aussie Spirit is expected to face seven of the world’s leading softball nations during the tournament, giving local fans a chance to see Olympic-level athletes without leaving southeast Queensland.
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the event would help place women’s sport in front of larger crowds and younger audiences, particularly with matches being staged inside a stadium environment rather than a traditional softball complex.
Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander also linked the event to the growing focus on participation ahead of Brisbane 2032, saying international tournaments often encourage children to become involved in local sport.
World Cup Event Adds to Redcliffe’s Sporting Schedule
The World Cup announcement adds another major event to Redcliffe’s sporting calendar following the Dolphins’ entry into the NRL and continued investment across Moreton Bay sporting infrastructure.
The tournament is expected to bring teams, officials and supporters to the region during the week-long competition period.
The event will also place Kayo Stadium in front of international television audiences as softball prepares for its return to the Olympic spotlight.
Fans can register for tournament updates and ticket information through Softball Australia.
Published 19-May-2026
