The Brisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket have welcomed the State Government’s decision to deliver a stadium at Victoria Park, to replace the ageing Gabba.
Brisbane Lions Chief Executive Officer, Greg Swann said:
“We’re excited about today’s decision, it’s a step change for the sport and entertainment industry and will deliver a great legacy for decades to come.
“The Olympics and Paralympics presents an opportunity to deliver a venue that will serve the City and State’s growing population, not just for the Games.
“We can’t wait to hear 60,000+ Queenslanders cheering on the Lions and we look forward to working with partners to support stadium design and delivery.
“The Gabba has been a great home for the past 30 years, but the city has outgrown it, the Lions have outgrown it, we’ll top 70,000 members this year and the venue is reaching its end of life.
“Between now and the Olympics nearly four million Queensland sports fans will visit the Gabba for either a Lions or cricket match, with each event creating job and economic opportunities and ensuring our local events industry is equipped and skilled to deliver the Games.
“To move forward we need all stakeholders to unite behind 2032 so we can get on with delivering the venues needed to host a great Games and the critical social infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders for decades to come.
“We welcome the certainty this decision provides our fans, members and players.”
Queensland Cricket, Chief Executive Officer, Terry Svenson said:
“Queensland Cricket congratulates the Queensland Government on its decision to invest in the State’s future, with a world-class stadium that will be a centrepiece of Brisbane for 2032 and beyond.”
“The Gabba has been wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories – however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future.
“There is now the opportunity for Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, such as ICC events, men’s and women’s Ashes Series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, as well has hosting the BBL and WBBL in a new purpose-built Stadium.
“Thirty years ago this week, the Gabba was in the very early stages of its major redevelopment as the historic Sheffield Shield Final was being played, with many ensuing highlights following in the past three decades.
“Today’s decision gives us certainty after many years without clarity. We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature Stadium that will be known the world over.
“We look forward to working with Government at all levels and our colleagues at the Brisbane Lions to make this a reality.”
