The Gabba is slated for demolition after the 2032 Olympics, as the Queensland government has revealed plans for a new 63,000-seat stadium for the Brisbane Games. Set to be built in Victoria Park, the new venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events at Brisbane 2032. After the Games, it will serve as Queensland’s primary cricket stadium.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli made the announcement at an event in Brisbane on Tuesday, stating that upgrading the Gabba to meet Olympic standards was not a feasible option.
#LIVE: Today we’re setting the plan to deliver 2032 and beyond https://t.co/iW8V9mRXKn
— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) March 25, 2025
He added: “The experts advised it could not be delivered in the time frame we inherited. There is no longer enough time to get that done. It came down to a choice; a choice between the embarrassment of hosting the Games at QSAC (Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre) or a new stadium at Victoria Park.”
“It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy or securing the future of AFL (Australian rules football) and cricket at a new home.”
”And It became a choice between delivering a Games with an eye to the future or rewinding the clock four decades. In the end the choice was clear: the Games must be held at a new stadium at Victoria Park.”
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see an Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Announces Gabba Demolition and New Stadium Plans
Cricket is set to make its return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a 128-year hiatus, and if the sport remains in the 2032 Games, matches could still be played at the Gabba before its demolition.
“Wouldn’t it be incredible to see an Australian cricket team win gold in an Olympic final? The Gabba’s farewell moment,” said Premier David Crisafulli.
The Gabba, which first hosted Test cricket in 1931, has been the venue for 67 men’s and two women’s Test matches. Although traditionally the opening venue for Australia’s Test summers, that role has shifted in recent years, with Perth set to host the men’s Ashes opener later this year.
In response to the Queensland government’s announcement, Cricket Australia stated:
“This decision provides clarity on venues and scheduling, enabling us to ensure Brisbane continues to host top-tier international and domestic cricket.”
The end of an era: The Gabba will be demolished: https://t.co/8OGklgG9qc pic.twitter.com/onlcc4pWmb
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 25, 2025
Crisafulli dismissed the idea of hosting Olympic tennis at Melbourne Park, the annual venue for the Australian Open. Instead, he revealed plans for significant upgrades to the Queensland Tennis Centre, including a new 3,000-seat show court arena and 12 additional match courts.
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