STADIUM PLAN BACKED

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,” Svenson said.

Brisbane Lions Chief Executive Officer, Greg Swann said:

“The Gabba has been a great home for the past 30 years, but the city has outgrown it, the Lions have outgrown it, and the venue is reaching its end of life. 

“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, but for the next 50 years.

“Between now and the Olympics nearly 4 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.

“We need all stakeholders to unite behind 2032 so we can get on with delivering the venues needed to host a great Games and critical infrastructure for decades to come,'' Swann said.

Today’s announcement by the Queensland Government included several important recommendations for cricket that will generate multiple opportunities across the State.

Olympic cricket, which makes its debut in Los Angeles in 2028, is earmarked for an expanded Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, while the Gabba will also host matches as a final hurrah ahead of the new Victoria Park Stadium coming online.

The Queensland Government also announced investment into sporting infrastructure across the State over the next seven years.

The decision to transition to a new Stadium for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide certainty for Queensland Cricket, with the Gabba to continue as the sport’s major venue until post-2032.

Svenson said:

“The announcements today are very exciting for regional Queensland and also for cricket.

"Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have a proven track record of bringing domestic and international cricket to regional Queensland. And ongoing investment in elite and grassroots facilities will continue to help us promote and grow cricket throughout Queensland.”