Cricket Australia Launches Bid To Scrap Gabba For New Stadium

Cricket Australia has joined the Brisbane Lions in calling for the Gabba to be replaced with a new stadium which can support international cricket and AFL for the next 50 years.

It follows CA unveiling its long-term Test venue schedule back in August, which excludes the iconic Brisbane venue from its schedule following the 2025/26 Ashes Series.

Only a two-year deal has been signed for cricket at the 37,000-capacity stadium, with the venue’s traditional early-season spot likely going to Perth instead.

The Gabba has hosted Test cricket since 1931 but is now ranked the number five Test venue in Australia, behind the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium.

Outgoing Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley confirmed to The Daily Telegraph the plan is to play the final cricket match of the 2032 Olympics at the Gabba, before moving to a proposed new stadium at Victoria Park.

Cricket Australia will join co-tenants Brisbane Lions in submitting a proposal to the Queensland Government’s 100-day Olympic venue review.

A key outcome of the review, which will be completed by early February, will be the location of the main stadium for the Olympics. Initially slated a rebuild of the Gabba, that proposal was dumped by the former Government, in favour of an upgraded QSAC, despite an independent report recommending a new stadium at Victoria Park.

Public backing for a new stadium precinct at Victoria Park is growing, but is yet to gain key political support. 

Reigning AFL Premiers the Brisbane Lions sell-out the majority of their matches at the Gabba and have made no secret of their desire to play out of a larger stadium.

The Gabba will host the third Test between Australia and India commencing on Saturday, with Hockley telling The Daily Telegraph “The Gabba has played a pivotal role in Queensland cricket history and we're delighted by the strong ticket sales for this Test.”

“That said, it's clear the Gabba is coming to the end of its useful life and the Brisbane 2032 Games presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a world-class stadium that delivers strong legacy benefits for Queensland, by providing cricket and football fans with the facilities that they deserve.”