The iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane is set to be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games. A brand-new 60,000-seater stadium will be built in Victoria Park, becoming the new home for cricket in Queensland.
Major Decision on Brisbane’s Sporting Future
Queensland’s Premier, David Crisafulli, announced the updated Olympic infrastructure plans on Tuesday. This decision comes after years of uncertainty regarding the Gabba’s future. Cricket Australia (CA) had been waiting for a clear decision, as their international venue allocations only secured matches at the Gabba until the 2025 Ashes.
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“This decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling, ensuring Brisbane can host the best possible international and domestic cricket,” CA stated. They, along with Queensland Cricket and AFL, strongly supported the new stadium in Victoria Park. The investment is expected to benefit both sports fans and Queensland residents for years to come.
Cricket’s Role in the Olympics and Beyond
Cricket will be returning to the Olympics in 2028, with matches planned for Los Angeles. If the sport is included in the 2032 Games, the Gabba is expected to host its final games before demolition, with Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena also being a potential venue.
Premier Crisafulli expressed his excitement about the possibility of Australian cricket winning gold at the Olympics in the Gabba’s farewell matches. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” he said.
From Controversy to Clarity
Initially, the Labor government had planned a complete Gabba rebuild for $2.7 billion, but rising costs led to backlash and eventual cancellation. A later $600 million redevelopment plan was also scrapped. The new government decided to invest in an entirely new stadium instead.
“The Gabba is at the end of its life,” said Crisafulli. “It hasn’t been well maintained, and we need a stadium that offers long-term benefits. Instead of spending billions on temporary structures, we are securing the future of cricket and AFL with a new home.”
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Queensland Cricket Welcomes the Move
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson supports the plan, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium that will be known the world over” Svenson said.
The Gabba’s Legacy and Final Years
The Gabba hosted its first Test match in 1931 and has since held 67 men’s Tests and two women’s Tests, including the rain-affected Border-Gavaskar Trophy match. It became the traditional opening venue for Australia’s Test summers, although Perth has hosted the first match in recent years.
Brisbane will still host a day-night Ashes Test in the upcoming 2025-26 series. However, the Gabba’s long-term international cricket role remains uncertain. It may still hold white-ball matches before its final days.
Another New Stadium on the Horizon
By 2029, Australia will likely see another international cricket venue emerge. Hobart’s new stadium, featuring a roof, is set to open as part of Tasmania’s AFL team expansion.
With the Gabba’s demolition confirmed, Queensland will soon prepare to welcome a world-class stadium that will shape the future of Australian cricket and sports.
Also Read: Born in Pakistan, Going to Play for New Zealand: The Story of Muhammad Abbas
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