Brisbane is set to welcome a new 63,000-seat stadium as the focal point of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland government has confirmed.
Located in the Victoria Park area, the multi-sport arena will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics events. Following the Games, the new stadium will serve as Brisbane’s home for cricket, replacing the iconic Gabba, which will be demolished.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the decision, marking a shift from previous commitments made before the 2024 state elections that no new stadium would be built.
“I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” said Crisafulli.
Initially, the government explored redeveloping the Gabba—originally built in 1895 and host to 67 men’s Test matches—but abandoned those plans after a 100-day review of preparations for 2032. Cricket, which is set to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Games and is expected to return in 2032, may still be played at the Gabba before its demolition.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli said.
“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.”
Queensland Cricket has supported the decision, with chief executive Terry Svenson acknowledging the Gabba as a “wonderful venue” while noting its well-documented challenges.
Additional infrastructure projects include a 25,000-seat national aquatic centre in Spring Hill near the main stadium, and a new 20,000-seat arena near the main athletes’ village.
Rowing events will take place in Queensland’s Fitzroy River, an area known for saltwater crocodiles. However, the government has assured that the waters are safe.
“If it’s good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it’s good enough for Pierre from Paris,” said Crisafulli.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Queensland Tennis Centre will undergo extensive upgrades to accommodate tennis events during the Games.
Image: Queensland government
