Olympic 2 min read

Brisbane’s Gabba to Retain Seating Capacity Ahead of 2032 Olympic Rebuild

Written by MOS Editorial Team

Published on 20 May 2024

The Queensland Government has refuted discussions that an upcoming Gabba rebuild will reduce seating capacity.

Ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Brisbane Games’ venue plan is gaining momentum, with over $560 million in contracts being tendered for projects. Expressions of interest will soon be released to construct three Sunshine Coast venues and revamp the Chandler Indoor Sports Centre and pool in Brisbane. An alternative proposal speculated spending over $1 billion on a Gabba rebuild that would reportedly reduce seating by 4000, a notion dubbed as “crazy” by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

However, Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace refuted this claim, stating that the Gabba’s validation report is still being finalised and there is no plan to reduce seating capacity. The independent venue review advised constructing a new 55,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park in inner Brisbane for the 2032 centrepiece, suggesting a total cost of $3.4 billion. However, the government chose to focus on upgrading existing venues such as the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, and the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

Despite differing opinions on the venue choices, Brisbane 2032 organising committee president Andrew Liveris remains focused on problem-solving and ensuring a successful outcome for the community in the long term.

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