Brisbane to Get a New 63,000-Seater Stadium for 2032 Olympics
The Queensland government has confirmed plans to build a brand-new 63,000-seat stadium in Brisbane, marking a key development for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Set in the Victoria Park area, the stadium is expected to host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all athletics events during the Games.
This development will also see Brisbane’s long-standing Gabba cricket stadium make way for the new venue, as the iconic ground, built in 1895, approaches the end of its functional life. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged that the decision reverses previous promises made prior to the 2024 state elections. “I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” he said.
Earlier proposals had explored the option of redeveloping the Gabba, which has hosted 67 men’s Test matches over its century-long history, but those plans were shelved after a detailed 100-day review into the 2032 Games infrastructure. While cricket will likely continue at the Gabba prior to the construction of the new stadium, the premier hinted at the possibility of a memorable final bow for the historic venue. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli remarked.
Queensland Cricket has expressed support for the new stadium, with CEO Terry Svenson describing the venue as a “wonderful facility” but recognizing its challenges and limitations. The government also announced that additional sports infrastructure will be built, including a 25,000-seat national aquatic centre in Spring Hill, a 20,000-seat arena near the athletes’ village, and significant upgrades to the Brisbane Queensland Tennis Centre to accommodate Olympic tennis events.
Rowing competitions will take place along Queensland’s Fitzroy River, which is known for its saltwater crocodile population, though authorities have assured that the waters are safe for athletes. “If it’s good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it’s good enough for Pierre from Paris,” Premier Crisafulli joked.
Despite the excitement, the plans have sparked controversy due to the cultural significance of the Victoria Park site, known to the local Indigenous Turrbal people as Barrambin. Historically, it was a camping and food-gathering site, and a place for corroborees, the traditional dances of First Nations people. Arianna Levy, a reporter for My Newspaper, highlighted the community concerns: “It has really come as a political backflip. The park is one of the few green spaces in Brisbane and holds immense cultural importance. There have already been protests, and community groups are vocal about their opposition to converting it into a stadium.”
The Queensland government now faces the challenge of balancing the Olympic legacy with community and cultural preservation, ensuring that the new stadium leaves a lasting positive impact while respecting the traditions and history of the Indigenous people. Construction is expected to start in the coming years, with all facilities ready for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, creating what promises to be a world-class sporting hub in the heart of Brisbane.
