The iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane is facing demolition after hosting the 2032 Olympic Games, with plans for a new state-of-the-art cricket venue unveiled by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. This ambitious new project includes a 60,000-capacity stadium expected to rise in the Victoria Park area, signifying a pivotal transformation in Queensland's sporting landscape.
Premier Crisafulli made the announcement on March 25, 2025, bringing clarity to a cricket community that had been in limbo amid indecision over the Gabba's future. "This decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling which in turn allows us to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic cricket," Cricket Australia stated in their welcoming response.
The Gabba—officially known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground—has been a cornerstone for Australian cricket, hosting its first Test match in 1931. While the venue holds a rich history, its aging infrastructure has led to calls for change. Crisafulli emphasized that, "The Gabba is at its end of life. It hasn’t been well maintained, and we do need a stadium to host this great show, and there is an opportunity for legacy play." The Premier acknowledged the challenges faced by the existing stadium and highlighted the new venue as a sustainable solution for the future of sports in the region.
The proposed stadium will aim to host premier national and international cricket events, including ICC tournaments and the popular Ashes series. Cricket Queensland CEO Terry Svenson expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, "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."
As plans stand, the Gabba is set to host its final major international matches in the lead-up to the Olympics, possibly including cricket’s return to the Olympic lineup in 2028, making these games quite significant. Should cricket be included in the Olympic events for 2032, it is anticipated that the Gabba will have a poetic swansong as it concludes its iconic run.
The recent shift in plans comes after earlier proposals for a comprehensive AUD 2.7 billion overhaul were deemed impractical due to escalating costs. Instead, the new AUD 600 million upgrading plan was discarded, leading to the more favorable decision to build an entirely new stadium. The new venue becomes essential to hosting both cricket and Australian Rules Football, with local clubs, including the Brisbane Lions, set to benefit significantly.
Moreover, Queensland's sports community is witnessing a growth phase, with the Victoria Park stadium bringing together cricket fans, community spirit, and significant sporting history. This development aligns with broader infrastructure advancements anticipating the 2032 Olympics while invigorating local sporting engagement. However, the decision to construct the stadium in Victoria Park has drawn mixed reactions from the community, with some expressing concerns about the cultural significance of the site. Traditionally, Victoria Park holds importance to the Indigenous community, with historical ties to the Turrbal people who refer to the area as Barrambin.
Opposition groups have started organizing protests, seeking to halt the stadium development, arguing the area is crucial for green spaces and cultural heritage. Premier Crisafulli, however, reassured stakeholders that this new facility is necessary for Queensland to maintain its reputation on the international stage. "We have a plan, and we need to get on with it. We will start immediately. We have seven years to make this work, and make it work we will," he asserted while outlining a clear vision for future construction.
In the context of the Olympic Games, Brisbane aims to showcase not just its athletic prowess but also its commitment to modernity and inclusiveness in sports. The venue's establishment promises to satisfy the community's sporting needs while preserving the legacy of cricket established by the Gabba. The new stadium is intended to be the heart of sporting events in Queensland, contributing to the local economy while enhancing the city's status as a sporting capital.
As the Gabba prepares to close its doors, local cricket enthusiasts are left with nostalgic memories of legendary matches and iconic moments. From Australia's historic wins to nail-biting Ashes series, the Gabba has seen it all. The state now looks forward to a future filled with fresh opportunities, hoping to celebrate new milestones at the upcoming Victoria Park stadium which is set to be the new beacon for cricket in Brisbane.
This is a bittersweet transition; while the Gabba will be sorely missed, the prospect of a modern facility promises to enhance the spectator experience and establish Brisbane as a venue for premier cricket events for generations to come.
