Iona College’s new MCG replica Aussie rules Football ground almost complete

A Brisbane private school has built a new sports facility that is ‘bigger than The Gabba’ and will replicate one of the world’s most famous arenas.

A Brisbane school is looking to build on the rising profile of Australian rules football in their area after building a new oval to replicate on of the world’s most famous sports venues, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Iona College at Lindum started construction on the field, which will be bigger than The Gabba, more than five months ago with completion scheduled for next week.

Fr Michael Twigg, Iona College’s rector, said the facility was the only exact MCG replica in Queensland schools.

The length of the MCG is 161m with the width at 138m.

A general view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“The reasoning behind the field is that it meant that Iona could train and play every one of its five football codes (rugby union, rugby league, football/soccer, touch and Ausie rules) inside the grounds of the college,” he said.

“This is a unique blessing to have the resources so close for each of the students.

Iona College's new Aussie rules field built to the exact dimensions of the MCG.

“Aussie rules has a growing profile and participation rate since the Association of Independent Colleges introduced the sport in 2019 and Iona already has a strong and positive partnership with Wynnum Vikings and Morningside Panthers and now the Brisbane Lions.”

The project cost almost $50,000 and is the latest development at the bayside school following the start of construction on a new, $20 million, 2000-seat multipurpose centre, set to open in May.

To celebrate the completion of the new ground, the Lions visited the school for a clinic on Monday.

“Iona has hosted and will host teams of local significance, Brisbane Heat WBBL, Wynnum Manly Seagulls and now Brisbane Lions and this gives our students and wider community exposure to great experiences of aspiration,” Fr Twigg said.

Iona College rector Fr Michael Twigg (Rector). Picture: Mark Cranitch

“As a support to the learning of the college, sport holds a very special place in the culture of Iona and the College is blessed with facilities that we like to be shared with the wider community.

“Having the Lions at Iona is a wonderful opportunity to give back to a team that brings much joy to many people within our city and state.

“Welcoming the Lions fits in with our wider goal of community support and they are one of the great sporting teams of our state.”

AFL BOUNDARY DIMENSIONS (2018)

Ground – length – width

UTAS Stadium – 175m – 145m

TIO Stadium – 175m – 135m

GMHBA Stadium – 170m – 116m

TIO Traeger Park – 168m – 132m

Adelaide Oval – 167m – 123m

Cazaly’s Stadium – 165m – 135m

Optus Stadium – 165m – 130m

Spotless Stadium – 164m – 128m

UNSW Canberra Oval – 162.5m – 138m

MCG – 161m – 138m

Jiangwan Stadium – 160m – 136m

Etihad Stadium – 160m – 129m

Mars Stadium – 160m – 129m

Blundstone Arena – 160m – 124m

Metricon Stadium – 158m – 134m

Gabba – 156m – 138m

SCG – 155m – 136m