Brisbane is set to construct a brand-new 63,000-seat stadium as the centerpiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland government has announced.
The state-of-the-art multi-sport venue will be located in Victoria Park, hosting the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events. Additionally, the new stadium will serve as Brisbane’s primary cricket venue after the historic Gabba stadium is demolished post-Games.
The decision was confirmed by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, marking a significant shift from previous government assurances that a new stadium would not be built.
A Surprising Policy Shift
“I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” Crisafulli said, acknowledging the change in stance following a 100-day review of the state’s Olympic infrastructure plans.
Originally, plans were in place to redevelop the Gabba, which has hosted international cricket since 1931. However, due to maintenance challenges and aging infrastructure, officials determined a new venue would be a more sustainable long-term solution.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli added, suggesting that cricket could be played at the Gabba one last time before its demolition.
Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson backed the decision, stating, “The Gabba has been a wonderful venue, but its challenges have been well documented.”
More Infrastructure for 2032 Games
In addition to the main stadium, Brisbane will see the construction of a 25,000-seat national aquatic centre in Spring Hill and a 20,000-seat arena near the athletes’ village. The Queensland Tennis Centre will also receive major upgrades, while rowing events will take place on the Fitzroy River, a waterway known for its saltwater crocodiles.
“If it’s good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it’s good enough for Pierre from Paris,” Crisafulli joked, addressing safety concerns.
Cultural and Environmental Concerns
Despite the government’s optimism, the decision to build the stadium in Victoria Park has sparked controversy. The site, known as Barrambin to the indigenous Turrbal people, holds deep cultural significance.
“It’s been really polarising for a lot of the community here in Queensland,” ABC reporter Arianna Levy told BBC World Service. “It was a native camping ground and food-gathering place, where First Nations people from across Queensland gathered for corroboree.”
Protests erupted following the announcement, with indigenous groups and environmental activists expressing concerns over the loss of one of Brisbane’s few remaining green spaces.
With the Games still seven years away, debates over the stadium’s construction are likely to continue. The Queensland government will need to balance its vision for a world-class Olympics with the voices of the local community.
