Brisbane In Reported Talks To Receive 60,000-Capacity Indoor Stadium

The Queensland government may propose a new 60,000-capacity stadium for Brisbane next week, 9 News and Fox Sports News report.

If a plan for a brand-new stadium is indeed proposed, it goes against initial plans to demolish and rebuild the Gabba. At the time of publication, the Gabba holds between 42,000 to 50,000 attendees for sporting events.

9 News reports that an independent review panel has recommended a brand-new stadium in Brisbane’s Victoria Park and the state cabinet is set to review the recommendations on Monday (24 March).

The proposed stadium is recommended as the centrepiece of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games and, if it is built, will become an invaluable space for large live music events in Queensland.

“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,” 9 News reporter Tim Arvier said last night (20 March).

Arvier’s report continued, “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.”

Early demolition works of the Gabba were set to commence this year, with the rebuilt construction to take place in 2026.

This year, the cap for live music events booked for Suncorp Stadium permanently increased from six to twelve shows after a successful trial period.

Queensland’s Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said extra shows at Suncorp Stadium “will bring more events, more jobs, [and] we’ll see greater economic outcomes for not only the businesses around here, but Brisbane as a whole.”

Caxton Street Development Association President Sarosh Mehta previously said about the lifting of the cap at Suncorp Stadium for significant events:

“It’s not just about the traders on Caxton Street; it’s all of Brisbane. It’s people booking accommodation, ride-sharing, more employment for more staff and security. All in all, I see it as a very beneficial thing to have.”