Brisbane is committed to building a world-class 63,000-seater stadium as the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queensland government has announced.
The arena will be built in the Victoria Park area of Brisbane, will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics.
The decision, announced by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, comes following numerous pledges before the 2024 state elections that a new stadium would not be built.
“I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” said Crisafulli.
The plans will see the new stadium become Brisbane’s home for cricket, with the famous Gabba stadium to be demolished following the Games.
Cricket, which is being held in Los Angeles in 2028, could be played at the Gabba in 2032 before the arena is torn down.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli said.
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“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.”
A new 25,000-seater national aquatic centre will be built in Spring Hill near the main stadium, while a new 20,000-seater arena is planned near the main athletes’ village.
The rowing will be held in Queensland’s Fitzroy River, which is known to host saltwater crocodiles but the government say 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.
Football will be held in Cairns in the far north-east of Australia, while the Brisbane Queensland Tennis Centre will receive significant upgrades to host tennis events.
