Professional sporting teams and leagues across Australia are facing disruptions following the announcement of a three-day lockdown in Greater Brisbane.
The Queensland government on Monday confirmed further community transmission of COVID-19 following last week’s outbreak.
Clubs based in Brisbane are required to be contingent as the heads of the country’s major sporting leagues make decisions regarding fixturing.
The AFL’s Brisbane Lions have had their match against Collingwood at the Gabba on Thursday night moved to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Their scheduled Round 22 clash will now be reserved and held at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The Brisbane Lions team will remain in Melbourne with the AFL as they finalise arrangements for their upcoming games.
In a statement, AFL general manager of broadcasting and clubs, Travis Auld, said this decision is a logical one.
“In the interest of the health and safety of both clubs and the wider community we have made the decision to move the match to Marvel Stadium,” Auld said.
“Marvel Stadium was the scheduled venue for the return match between these two clubs later in the season, which made the decision to switch the venues as per the fixture the appropriate choice.
“As we continue to navigate the ongoing pandemic, we are constantly ensuring we have the contingencies in place to best combat any challenges that are presented.
“On behalf of the AFL I would like to thank both clubs for their patience and understanding of the evolving situation,” he said.
Fans who had already bought tickets to the Gabba match in Round Three are able to use their tickets for the Round 22 return match or receive a full refund.
Other professional codes are also required to adjust some fixturing and travel plans.
The NRL’s Brisbane Broncos were set to fly to Melbourne on Tuesday to play the Storm on Friday night, but will instead be flying out of Brisbane later today.
This will be followed by a trip to Sydney to play the South Sydney Rabbitohs next week.
Queensland’s other two teams, the North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans, are not directly affected by the Greater Brisbane lockdown.
Chartered flights are being considered, however, so that all competing teams can avoid flying through Brisbane.
In rugby union, the Queensland Reds have remained in Sydney following their match against the NSW Waratahs and will travel to Melbourne for next round’s fixture with the Melbourne Rebels.
The Brisbane Roar W-League team also faces issues regarding their upcoming home semi-final on Sunday or Monday.
Their men’s team, along with the NBL’s Brisbane Bullets, will also deal with uncertainty leading up to their weekend matches in Brisbane.