The Brisbane Lions AFC has welcomed the retention of an exclusive pre-purchase period for Lions members to have pre-sale access to tickets for the second 2012 QClash against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday 21 July.

Next year’s second QClash, originally scheduled for the Gabba in Round 17, will now be played at Metricon Stadium following a decision agreed to by the Queensland Government, through Stadiums Queensland, to switch venues. The decision to shift the match - a Suns home game - will not affect soon to be released Lions membership packages.

The venue change was the result of lobbying by the Gold Coast Suns and was endorsed by the AFL as part of their expansion into the south-east Queensland region.

It’s anticipated the decision will ensure two bumper crowds for the intra-state clashes between the Lions and the Gold Coast Suns in 2012.

The Lions host the Suns in QClash 3 in Round 4 next year.

While disappointed not to be playing a 12th “home” match at the Gabba next year, Lions CEO, Malcolm Holmes, urged all Lions members to take advantage of the exclusive pre-purchase period to ensure a strong Brisbane presence at the Suns home ground in Round 17.

Holmes said having as many Lions members as possible attend the match was the Club’s No.1 priority with the Club to notify members of the commencement of the pre-purchase period once it is finalised.

“Our members and supporters are the most passionate in the country and we hope they all join us on the trip down the highway for Round 17 next season,” said Holmes.

“To have a strong contingent of Lions members and supporters at Metricon in Round 17 next year will no doubt provide our side a massive boost at the strive to take out the QClash Cup again.”

Click here to download and print the updated pdf version of the Brisbane Lions' official 2012 AFL Fixture