The Gabba

Capacity50 000
Country Australia
CityBrisbane
ClubsLions, Heat, Bulls
CategoryDesign awaiting implementation
Cost?
Construction?

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The Gabba – design description

Why is a new stadium needed in Brisbane?

Following the successful hosting of the XXI Commonwealth Games in 2018, held in Gold Coast near Brisbane, state authorities and the National Olympic Committee supported Brisbane's bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games. On February 24, 2021, the city was selected by the IOC to be the preferred candidate to host the Games. After a phase of final negotiations, Brisbane was officially announced as the host of the 2032 Games on July 21, 2021.

In order to successfully bid to host the event, Brisbane had to identify the venues for the games, and one of the key ones was to be a major stadium that could host the athletics events, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. As the agglomeration lacked a suitable facility, planning for a new one began.

What is the concept for a new stadium in Brisbane?

In September 2019, news emerged of plans for an 80 000-seat stadium. Various locations were under consideration. However, there were claims that Brisbane did not need such a large stadium. In April 2021, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that the main stadium for the Games would be built on the site of the existing the Gabba and would accommodate 50 000 people. Preliminary renderings of the new stadium, prepared by Populous, were also unveiled.

The plan is to demolish the existing stadium and build a new arena from scratch in its place. The Gabba opened in 1896 and has been upgraded several times since then, gaining its current shape after a phased redevelopment at the turn of the 20th century. The venue has an oval pitch and stands with a capacity of 42,000 spectators. It is one of the most recognisable cricket stadiums in the country, plus it serves Australian football and other events.

What will the new the Gabba be like?

With a capacity of 50 000 spectators, the new stadium will be the smallest major stadium for the Summer Olympics in many years. However, this fits in with the policy of cutting spending on the organisation of the Games, advocated by the IOC itself. This does not mean that the construction of the stadium will be cheap - it is estimated to cost $1 billion. The project is to be funded by the central government and the state of Queensland.

After reconstruction, the venue should still be able to host cricket or Australian football. Along with the stadium, a promenade is to be built connecting it to a new underground agglomeration rail station. With the decision to redevelop the Gabba, the main venue for the Games will be close to the city centre.

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Renderings

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