Demolition of Gabba Planned After 2032 Olympics; Brisbane to Welcome New Stadium
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Synopsis
The Gabba, Brisbane's famous stadium, will be demolished after the 2032 Olympics, making way for a new 60,000-capacity venue in Victoria Park. Premier David Crisafulli announced the plans, emphasizing cricket's importance in the decision. Cricket Australia supports the move, ensuring a bright future for the sport in Queensland.
Key Takeaways
- The Gabba will be demolished after the 2032 Olympics.
- A new 60,000-capacity stadium is planned for Victoria Park.
- Cricket Australia welcomes the announcement, emphasizing the future of the sport.
- The Gabba has a rich history but is at the end of its life.
- The new stadium will attract major cricket events.
Melbourne, March 25 (NationPress) The Gabba, Brisbane’s legendary stadium, is scheduled for demolition after the 2032 Olympic Games, with cricket relocating to a new 60,000-seat facility in the Victoria Park district. This cutting-edge stadium is being constructed as part of the Olympic infrastructure.
On Tuesday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed the future plans for the state's sports venues, emphasizing cricket’s pivotal role in this decision. The sport had been uncertain due to the Gabba's future following Queensland's successful bid for the 2032 Olympics in 2021. This announcement brings much-needed clarity after years of speculation and changing proposals.
Cricket Australia expressed appreciation for the announcement, stating, "This decision provides us with certainty about venues and scheduling, allowing us to ensure Brisbane hosts the highest quality international and domestic cricket. We strongly supported the construction of a stadium in Victoria Park alongside Queensland Cricket, the AFL, and Brisbane Lions, and cricket will play a crucial role in ensuring that this significant investment benefits cricket fans and the people of Queensland for years to come."
"On behalf of the cricket community, we thank the Queensland Government for seizing this unique opportunity to provide the fans, the city, and the state with the stadium they rightfully deserve."
As part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, cricket will make a comeback to the Olympics after over a century, having last been included in 1900. If cricket is featured in Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics, the Gabba could host its final matches before its demolition, with the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay also designated for Olympic events.
Premier Crisafulli reflected on the historic importance, stating at an event in Brisbane, "Wouldn’t it be remarkable to witness the Australian cricket team clinch gold in an Olympic final? The Gabba's farewell."
Initially, plans for a complete AUD 2.7 billion renovation of the Gabba under the previous Labor government were abandoned due to escalating costs. A more modest AUD 600 million upgrade was also canceled under the new government, leading to the decision to proceed with the new Victoria Park stadium.
"The Gabba has reached the end of its lifespan. It has not been well maintained, and we require a stadium to host this grand event, with an opportunity for legacy play," Crisafulli stated.
"It became a choice between investing billions in temporary facilities that would offer no legacy or securing the future of AFL and cricket at a new home."
The new stadium is viewed as a significant victory for Queensland Cricket, ensuring certainty about the sport's future in the area. Chief executive Terry Svenson remarked, "The Gabba has been a fantastic venue for cricket for many years, providing countless memories for fans and players. However, the challenges facing the stadium are well known, and we must look ahead to the future."
"Now, Queensland has the opportunity to attract premier cricket events, such as ICC events, men’s and women’s Ashes Series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, as well as hosting the BBL and WBBL in a newly constructed stadium.
"Thirty years ago this week, the Gabba was just beginning its major redevelopment while the historic Sheffield Shield Final was being contested, leading to many memorable highlights over the past three decades.
"Today’s decision offers us certainty after many years of ambiguity. We are now at the starting line as Queensland prepares to reveal a signature stadium that will gain worldwide recognition."
The Gabba has a rich history, having hosted its inaugural Test match in 1931 and becoming a staple of Australian cricket summers. Although the venue’s future post-2032 is uncertain, it is anticipated to host some international cricket, including white-ball matches, during its final years.
Meanwhile, the development of other significant cricket venues is ongoing, with Hobart's new stadium expected to be finished by 2029, adding another international venue to Australia’s lineup ahead of the 2032 Games.
