Paul Tully challenges Logan Council football match after Lions partnership

Ipswich councillors were discussing to propose an exhibition match with Logan City Council, as a proposal to fund Brisbane Lions $300,000 per year has been passed on Thursday.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWIRE Photos APRIL 1, 2024: Dayne Zorko at training. Brisbane Lions Training. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

An Ipswich councillor has called on Logan City Council for a football match after endorsing a nearly $1m partnership with Brisbane Lions on Thursday.

The bill to fund was passed after the football club relocating their home base to Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central.

The funding includes $300,000 per annum, making it $900,000 for a three-year term.

As the biggest investor in the arena, the Ipswich City Council had negotiated the plan with the club since 2022 as the region is the second largest fan base by postcode.

Mayor Teresa Harding said the partnership was crucial to support the fastest growing cities in Queensland, and opened doors to opportunities for the city and the residents.

“They might be the Brisbane Lions, but it will be Ipswich that roars from partnering with this pre-eminent club,” she said.

“Partnering with a powerful national brand like the Brisbane Lions also means greater access to economic development opportunities, corporate networks, and advocacy that can benefit our city.

“I’m thrilled that the city of Ipswich will soon be recognised Australia-wide for its support and involvement in men’s and women’s AFL, as an official partner of the mighty Lions.”

An artist's imagination of the future Brighton Homes Arena. Picture: supplied

Brisbane Lions chief executive Greg Swann said the support was crucial for the development of the arena, as plans were under way to further develop the site with a childcare centre and more sporting facilities.

“We’ve recently passed our first anniversary based in Ipswich, and it’s been really pleasing to report that the BHA precinct has seen more than 316,000 visitations during our first year of operations,” he said.

“We want the precinct to be a year-round attraction for sport, community and educational purposes and our work with Council will make this a reality.”

Division 2 councillor Paul Tully. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Following the partnership, Division 2 councillor Paul Tully recommended at Thursday’s meeting to arrange a football game with Logan to “show how good we are”.

“Even though they’re called the Brisbane Lions, they’ve got a strong affinity now with our city at a fantastic stadium,” he said.

“Perhaps we should approach the Logan City Council for our councillors and their councillors to have an exhibition match, perhaps 15 minutes each way.

“You can do the kick-off or throw down or whatever they call it their pie.

“I can’t imagine all of us including me hobbling around the ground for even 10 minutes, but I put that challenge out to Logan.

“Let’s meet them on our own turf and see if we can have the inaugural Ipswich-Logan cup there at Brighton Homes Arena.”