12 February 2026
AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP TROPHY ROAD TRIP HITS THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast was buzzing as one of women’s football’s most coveted prizes made its way through Queensland, with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Trophy Road Trip delivering unforgettable moments for fans between 5–11 February.
Supporters were given the rare opportunity to see the iconic trophy up close as it appeared at some of the region’s most recognisable locations and major sporting moments. The trophy made its first Queensland appearance at the Surfers Paradise surfboard clock, which has been re-skinned for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ and features the official tournament countdown.
Accompanied by Naara, the tournament’s official mascot, the trophy embarked on a tour of the Gold Coast’s most iconic landmarks, showcasing the city’s unique blend of sport, lifestyle and natural beauty. From scaling the heights of Q1 for sweeping skyline views, to meeting native wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, to joining local Nippers at Snapper Rocks for a classic Gold Coast moment on the sand, the trophy’s journey brought the excitement of the tournament into the heart of the community..
The Trophy Road Trip marked an important milestone as anticipation builds for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, with the Gold Coast set to play a starring role. The city will proudly host Group A matches, featuring the Matildas, alongside Korea Republic, IR Iran and the Philippines, as well as the tournament’s Play-Off matches, ensuring the Gold Coast delivers high-stakes football deep into the competition.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2026 GOLD COAST SPORTS AWARDS
Gold Coast sporting excellence is firmly in the spotlight with the announcement of finalists for the 2026 Gold Coast Sports Awards, celebrating athletes, events and contributors who have achieved at the highest level over the past year.
From world champions and Olympians to record-breaking juniors and inspirational para-athletes, this year’s finalists reflect a city recognised as one of Australia’s premier sporting hubs. Standout names include Ironman legend Ali Day, skateboarding sensation Arisa Trew, world champion boxer Jai Opetaia, swimming star Kaylee McKeown and AFL Brownlow Medallist Matt Rowell, alongside extraordinary para-athletes and rising junior talent making their mark on the global stage.
Gold Coast’s world-class events are also in the spotlight, with ten fixtures nominated for Sports Event of the Year. From endurance challenges like the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold, the PHO3NIX Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial, and the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic, to high-octane action at the Boost Gold Coast 500, grassroots competitions including the Premier Invitational, UniSport Nationals, and Foot Locker Australian School Championships (basketball), and surfing highlights like the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final and the Gold Coast Open, these events showcase the city’s sporting excellence.
Experience Gold Coast proudly supports every finalist on this year’s list, celebrating their contribution to sport, community and the city’s international profile.
SUNCORP SPIRIT CUP BRINGS SUPER NETBALL ACTION TO THE GOLD COAST
The Suncorp Spirit Cup is heading to the Gold Coast in 2026, bringing elite netball action to Carrara for an unmissable night of pre-season competition. On Friday 20 February, fans will see the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning re-ignite one of Australian netball’s fiercest rivalries at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
The event forms part of a blockbuster Suncorp Super Netball pre-season double header showcasing four of the league’s top teams in one action-packed evening. The night kicks off at 5pm with Melbourne Mavericks v GIANTS Netball, followed by the headline clash at 7pm as the Firebirds take on the Lightning.
With fast-paced netball, star players and a passionate crowd, the Suncorp Spirit Cup promises an electric atmosphere and the perfect lead-in to the Super Netball season. Tickets are on sale now.
ADELAIDE AND NEW ZEALAND LOCKED IN FOR IGNITE CUP FINAL ON THE GOLD COAST
The inaugural Hungry Jack’s NBL Ignite Cup Grand Final is locked in, with the Adelaide 36ers set to face the New Zealand Breakers in a blockbuster trans-Tasman showdown on the Gold Coast. After a fiercely contested tournament showcasing the best of NBL talent, the two powerhouse clubs will battle for the first Ignite Cup title, adding another major sporting moment to the Gold Coast’s growing calendar of elite events.
The Ignite Cup has delivered high-stakes, mid-week basketball, culminating in a Grand Final featuring a $400,000 prize pool, which is touted as the largest payday in NBL history. The Ignite Cup has been an incredible success across Wednesday nights, with 20 extra games, a points system where every quarter counts, and every matchup also impacting the regular season standings.
The historic Final will be played on Sunday 22 February 2026, with tip-off at 3.30pm, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets are now on sale, with fans able to secure early-bird access ahead of the biggest night of the NBL season.
NOMINATE NOW FOR GOLD COAST AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Do you know an outstanding citizen who inspires others and makes a difference? A local role model creating positive change in our community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards. City of Gold Coast wishes to recognise those helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Those whose challenges and triumphs reflect their remarkable achievements - who go above and beyond in their work or service, and who are champions in their own way, making a lasting impact on those around them.
Nominations close Monday 23 March 2026.
VIEW THE 29 JAN 2026 EVENTS UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.