The Brisbane Lions will officially open up their doors at their new $80 million world-class training and administration centre; Brighton Homes Arena this Sunday, November 27 hosting the NAB AFLW Season Seven Grand Final, when they take on the Melbourne Demons.
The momentous occasion is 11 years in the making, with the new ground-breaking Lions HQ in Springfield Central the first purpose-designed football precinct for women nationally.
Brisbane Lions CEO, Greg Swann, said he was thrilled the Lions had secured home ground advantage and the rights to play in front of their fans.
“What a performance by our mighty Brisbane Lions in Friday night’s preliminary final. What a season they’ve had and what an exciting time to be welcoming our members and fans to our new incredible home,” he said.
“Our players absolutely love it – there were tears and emotional scenes last month when we moved in, and I know they are very excited to have earnt the right to play here next Sunday.
“Brighton Homes Arena is an AFL accredited stadium, with full broadcast compliance, excellent public transport and parking, expansive home and away team, and officials facilities. It’s the best of its class for women’s sport in the country and will go a long way in helping the growth of women and girl’s footy in Queensland.
“Significantly, it is the first gender-equal facility in Australia, with all facilities provided for the AFL program replicated for our AFLW program; locker room size, office space, recovery facilities, you name it.
“It’s been designed as a uniquely Queensland venue – taking advantage of spectators being able to sit on the hill with their family and friends, and have a festive feel with food trucks and entertainment.
“I thank the Queensland and Australian Governments, Ipswich City Council, the AFL, our partners, staff and everyone involved for their efforts to have Brighton Homes Arena ready to be opened this Sunday and for their enthusiastic support of women’s footy. I can’t think of a better way to show it off to the world.”
A key feature of Brighton Homes Arena is its nod to tracing and incorporating the rich history of the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy FC.
The main oval, Michael Voss Oval, is in honour of the Lions’ triple premiership captain, and is the centrepiece of the facility.
The grandstand is a replica of the old Kevin Murray Stand at Fitzroy’s long-time Brunswick Street headquarters, built in old Fitzroy red brick.
The precinct has been built in partnership with the AFL, the Queensland and Australian Governments and Ipswich City Council in one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland.
“The NAB AFLW Grand Final is the first of many major events that will be hosted at Brighton Homes Arena over the coming years,” said Swann.
“By the end of the decade, it’s expected more than 100,000 people will call the Greater Springfield area, west of Brisbane, home.
“What’s special about Brighton Homes Arena is that it’s facility everyone can use – we’ve made sure it’s accessible to the local community with expansive meeting space available to support the growth of our community education and school curriculum programs.
“We’ve partnered with Total Fusion who will operate the new health and fitness centre nearing completion, providing our fans with public access to gym, pool and wellness facilities that will be used by Lions players.
“There is a public café on site; Wilde Kitchen, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, which opened last week.”
The 2022 NAB AFLW Grand Final will be played this Sunday, 27 November at 1.40pm local time, with plenty on offer for the whole family to make a day of it.
An official ceremony will take place ahead of the first bounce to formally open Brighton Homes Arena.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday. Stay across Lions channels for information.
