Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield opens on AFLW grand final day

Thousands of fans have swarmed Queensland’s new stadium, which opened moments before hosting the AFLW grand final.

Thousands of fans swarmed Queensland’s new stadium for the AFLW grand final.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened the Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday, getting it ready to host the Brisbane v Melbourne head-to-head in the afternoon.

Ms Palaszczuk said tickets for the game sold out in five minutes, as lines of fans snaked around the outside of the 10,000-seat stadium before the gates opened at midday.

“Sellout crowd. What does that say about women’s sport? If you put it on, people will come. This is absolutely fantastic,” she said.

An aerial view of the ground taken on Sunday ahead of the AFLW grand final. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Despite the massive queues of people waiting for the gates to open, Ms Palaszczuk said public transport from Springfield train station and surrounding parking was “so far, so good”.

“The commuting is very good, they’ve put on extra train services for this and the crowds are moving … I think it’s held up very well,” she said.

Traffic at the AFLW grand final, Springfield. Picture: Liam Kidston

The stadium was initially set to be opened next week but the unveiling was brought forward for grand final day, according to Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Stirling Hinchliffe.

Mr Hinchcliffe said construction of the stadium itself and all other facilities that were part of the project were all now complete, however there were unrelated roadworks ongoing in the area.

Crowds at the AFLW grand final, Springfield. Picture: Liam Kidston

“As you can see there are some … roadworks that are going on. That was an issue that caused an initial concern but all the work was done by all agencies … to be assured that this was the right decision to host the AFLW grand final here today,” he said.

Inside the stadium. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The new $82m stadium, of which the state government contributed $18m, will become the training ground for the AFLW’s Brisbane Lions and includes a 50m indoor training field and kick room plus recovery pools.

“This is a fantastic investment in women’s professional sport and the local community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The stadium pictured ahead of the grand final on Sunday. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“When the Brisbane Lions finished on top of the AFLW ladder to win Grand Final hosting rights, we pulled out all stops to make sure the ground was ready for today’s decider.

“I’m excited Queenslanders get to be part of history with the Lions chasing an AFLW Premiership for the opening game of Australia’s first purpose-built stadium for a professional female team.

“Earmarked as potential host for modern pentathlon, the ground is also the first completed Olympic venue since the Brisbane 2032 announcement.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk opens the stadium ahead of the grand final. Picture: Liam Kidston

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said Brighton Homes Arena set the benchmark for women’s sporting venues in this country.

“For elite female athletes to use the same state of the art facilities as a men’s team is a game-changer for sport.

“The venue is nation-leading and will be a beacon for young girls who aspire to be Lions players and helping to boost participation for women in sport.”

Brisbane Lions head out on to the field at their new home ground. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the stadium will be a great asset for the community, for footy and for the state of Queensland.

“The AFL is very much looking forward to hosting the AFLW Grand Final at the brand new and best purpose-built facility in Queensland - Brighton Homes Arena,” said Mr McLachlan.

“After touring the facility last month, the playing, training and admin base is quite simply elite on every level, benefiting not only the Brisbane Lions, but more broadly women’s football and the pathways for junior footballers from across southern Queensland.”

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said all the facilities can be used by the entire Springfield community, adding valuable new revenue streams for the Lions.