Brisbane’s iconic Gabba stadium is set to be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games, with a new 60,000-capacity venue planned for the Victoria Park area. This state-of-the-art facility, part of the city’s Olympic infrastructure, will become the new home for cricket in Queensland.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli unveiled the plans on Tuesday, bringing clarity to cricket’s future in Brisbane, which had been uncertain following the state’s successful bid to host the 2032 Olympics. The Gabba’s demolition and the new stadium construction mark a significant shift for Queensland’s sporting landscape.
Cricket Australia welcomed the announcement, saying, “This decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling, ensuring Brisbane can continue hosting premier international and domestic cricket. Together with Queensland Cricket, the AFL, and Brisbane Lions, we advocated for the Victoria Park stadium, which will benefit both cricket fans and the wider Queensland community.”
The new venue offers long-term benefits for the sport, according to Cricket Australia, following years of speculation and changing proposals. The Gabba has been a central venue for Australian cricket since it hosted its first Test match in 1931, but the new stadium will be key in ensuring Brisbane remains a hub for top-tier cricket events.
Premier Crisafulli spoke about the legacy the new stadium will leave, commenting, “The Gabba is at the end of its life. Instead of temporary solutions, this new stadium secures the future of AFL and cricket in Queensland.”
Plans for a comprehensive AUD 2.7 billion overhaul of the Gabba under the previous government were abandoned due to escalating costs, with a scaled-back AUD 600 million upgrade also scrapped. The decision to move forward with a new stadium provides a more sustainable and long-term solution for sports in the region.
The Gabba’s final years could coincide with cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028, after a century-long absence. Should cricket be included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the Gabba might host its last major international matches before being decommissioned.
Cricket Queensland CEO Terry Svenson reflected on the Gabba’s history, noting, “The Gabba has provided fans and players with countless memories over the years, but it’s time to look to the future. This new stadium will allow Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, from the Ashes Series to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”
The development of Brisbane’s new stadium comes as other major venues across Australia, such as Hobart’s new stadium set for completion by 2029, are also progressing. These developments are positioning Australia to host major international sporting events, with the 2032 Olympics acting as a catalyst for infrastructure growth across the country.
(With IANS inputs)
