The iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane will be demolished following the 2032 Olympic Games, with a new 60,000-seat stadium in Victoria Park set to become the future home of cricket and AFL in Queensland. The announcement was made by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, providing long-awaited clarity on the future of cricket in the state after years of uncertainty.
A New Era for Queensland Sports
The decision marks the end of an era for the Gabba, which has hosted international cricket since 1931. The new stadium will be built as part of the Olympic infrastructure and is expected to become a global sports landmark.
Premier Crisafulli highlighted the need for a new venue, stating:
“The Gabba is at the end of its life. It hasn’t been well maintained, and we need a world-class stadium to host major events while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The initial plan under the previous Labor government involved a A$2.7 billion redevelopment of the Gabba, which was later scaled back to a A$600 million renovation. However, both proposals were abandoned due to public backlash over rising costs. The new plan focuses on building a purpose-built stadium that will ensure the long-term future of both cricket and AFL in Queensland.
Cricket Australia Welcomes the Decision
The announcement brings certainty for Cricket Australia (CA), which had previously only guaranteed international fixtures at the Gabba until the 2025 Ashes due to uncertainty over the stadium’s future.
In a statement, Cricket Australia said:
“This decision provides clarity for venues and scheduling, allowing Brisbane to continue hosting world-class international and domestic cricket. We advocated strongly alongside Queensland Cricket and the AFL for a new stadium in Victoria Park, and we are committed to ensuring this investment delivers lasting benefits for fans and the Queensland community.”
A Legacy of Cricket at the Gabba
Since hosting its first Test match in 1931, the Gabba has been a fortress for the Australian cricket team. It has staged 67 men’s Tests, two women’s Tests, and numerous white-ball internationals. It traditionally opened the Australian summer of cricket until Perth took over that role in recent years.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson reflected on the Gabba’s legacy while embracing the future:
“The Gabba has been a wonderful venue for cricket, providing fans and players with countless memories. However, the challenges it faces are well known, and we need to look ahead. This new stadium will allow Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, including the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and ICC tournaments.”
While the Gabba’s long-term future is sealed, it may still host white-ball and possibly Test matches before its demolition. The 2025-26 Ashes will see the Gabba host the second Test, which will be a day-night encounter.
Cricket’s Return to the Olympics
Cricket is set to return to the Olympics for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, having only previously featured in 1900. If included in 2032, the Gabba could host some of its final matches before demolition, with Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena also in line to hold games.
Premier Crisafulli expressed excitement about the potential for cricket to close out the Gabba’s storied history:
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at the Olympics as the Gabba’s swansong?”
More Changes on the Horizon
In addition to the new Brisbane stadium, Hobart is also set to open a new international venue by 2029. This stadium, part of Tasmania’s successful bid for an AFL team, will feature a roof and is expected to host major cricket events.
The Gabba’s demolition signals the end of a historic chapter but opens the door for a modern stadium that will position Brisbane as a premier host city for global sporting events for years to come.
