New 60K-Seat Stadium Set For Brisbane’S Victoria Park

Reports on Thursday have indicated a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park is to be recommended to the Queensland Government to serve as the main Olympic stadium in 2032.

With the results of the independent 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure due to be announced in the coming days, Nine has reported the Victoria Park option will get the nod, instead of a Gabba rebuild initially proposed.

Alternative options for the main Olympic stadium had also included a major redevelopment of the aging QSAC at Nathan, a new ‘Gabba West’ stadium adjacent to the existing Gabba, and a privately-funded Northshore waterfront stadium.

A new stadium at Victoria Park means the existing Gabba will remain in place until the new venue opens, meaning AFL and cricket won’t need to relocate during a potential rebuild, as was originally planned. Both sports will then move to the new stadium, which will boast 22,000 more seats than what the Gabba currently holds.

Nine’s Tim Arvier said on Thursday, “sources have now told me the independent panel has recommended the new stadium have 60,000 seats.”

“Significantly, sources also say that this is the proposal that will be taken to cabinet on Monday meeting.

“The stage is set for the new 60,000-seat Victoria Park Stadium to be announced next week, along with a nearby athletes village surrounding the RNA Showgrounds.

“While senior members of the government had wanted to pursue rebuilding the Gabba, the review panel found there was not enough time and the Gabba was too complex, making Victoria Park the best option.”

The news comes as the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly reaffirmed the Federal Government’s $2.5 billion funding commitment for Brisbane’s new indoor arena.

The final location of the proposed 17,000-seat arena is yet to be confirmed however, with suggestions its original inner-city Roma Street location could be swapped for a vacant site adjacent to the Gabba.

Also unknown is if the Olympic swimming will be held at the arena (with the use of a temporary pool as per original plans), or if aquatic events will instead be held at a renovated venue at Chandler. It’s believed a new national aquatic centre at Victoria Park has been ruled out.

The long-running political battle to lock in Brisbane’s venues for the 2032 Olympics has forced the IOC to delay confirmation of initial sports program by one year.

The Queensland Government’s 100-day review into infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic Games is due to announce its delivery plan on Tuesday (25th March).