Carrara will go by a different name across the course of the 2023 season after the Gold Coast venue was rebranded Heritage Bank Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Originally opened in 1987 as the home of the Brisbane Bears, Carrara has played host 228 AFL/VFL contests throughout the past 36 years, as well as a series of refurbishments and rebrands.

While the Bears did battle before sparse crowds scattered across grass embankments and temporary hoardings, since the Suns' entry into the AFL ahead of the 2011 season, permanent stands have been erected, with the venue's capacity expanding to 22,500 for AFL fixtures.

Situated on the banks of the Nerang River, Heritage Bank Stadium has also hosted events such as concerts, white-ball cricket fixtures and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Since debuting at AFL level 12 years ago, the Suns have played 115 contests at their headquarters, earning a 40-2-73 record at a win-rate of 35.65 per cent.

Across this span, Gold Coast has averaged 13,271 supporters attending their home clashes, however, this mean dipped to just 11,298 in 2022 - the club's second-lowest annual figure to date.

Yet, with a the making of a talented squad blossoming under head coach Stuart Dew, and roots growing in the community, the expansion side holds high hopes for improved metrics, on and off the field.

“Today marks a historic occasion for our football club, to be able to partner with Heritage Bank to help them give back to their members and the people of Queensland,” Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said by way of a club statement.

“Heritage Bank Stadium is a community asset, it's for the people of the Gold Coast and alongside Heritage Bank, we will continue to strive to bring engaging and diverse content to the region, for its people.

“We are a community-focussed club with a commitment to our members, just like Heritage Bank, so we are thrilled to be able to partner with an organisation that shares the same values as we do.”

Gold Coast is scheduled to play 11 home games at their rebranded home in 2023, the first of which comes by way of a Round 1 date against Sydney on Saturday, March 18.

Prior to this, the Suns will do battle with Essendon and GWS in a pair of pre-season fixtures scheduled across the next fortnight.