Lions set to play home games at QSAC during Gabba rebuild
Speculation is mounting over where the Brisbane Lions and Brisbane Heat will be playing when the Gabba undergoes its $2.7 billion rebuild.
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Speculation is mounting over where the Brisbane Lions and Brisbane Heat will be playing their home games when the Gabba undergoes its $2.7 billion renovation, with the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre shaping as a favourite for the AFL.
But international cricket and Big Bash teams remain in limbo for now, while the State Government makes the final decision as it continues talks with the sporting code.
No decision has been made but it is understood the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, previously known as the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Sports Centre, is a strong contender for the AFL.
It has a similar seating capacity to the Gabba, 48,000 as compared to 42,000, but lacks the same level of access to public transport as the Gabba.
Three venues have been put forward as possible temporary homes for Cricket Queensland, including the Royal National Agriculture Showgrounds, QSAC, and upgrading grandstand capacity at the Allan Border Field in Albion.
Construction on the Gabba redevelopment is planned to start in 2026 and be finalised by 2030.
Despite the looming deadline, Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe’s spokesman said no final decision had been made with either sporting organisation.
He did not comment on whether upgrades would be required of the chosen replacement venues to meet professional or broadcast standards.
“The Government is continuing to investigate options in partnership with the Lions and Cricket Queensland,” he said.
Queensland Cricket spokesman said Allan Border Field was currently the top choice, allowing cricket to remain in Brisbane.
“We are currently investigating several options including venues in regional Queensland such as Cairns, Mackay, Gold Coast and Townsville; however, it is critical for cricket’s future that we don’t lose our presence in Brisbane,” he said.
“We see Allan Border Field in Albion playing a major role in hosting more cricket while the Gabba is being redeveloped.
“Allan Border Field currently hosts Women’s Internationals, Women’s Big Bash League and domestic cricket matches, and we are investigating opportunities to increase our capacity to allow us to host BBL and Men’s International games, while still remaining a boutique cricket venue with green space and a connection to our local community.”
A spokesman for Lions reiterated that no decision had been made.
“The Lions remain in discussions with the State Government and other stakeholders regarding the Gabba redevelopment and the displacement period,” he said.
“We will update Lions members, fans and the wider community in due course when a decision has actually been made.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week continued her defence of the controversial Gabba redevelopment, saying she didn’t think the thousands of residents petitioning to have the costly revamp scrapped was a “bad look”.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.
“I never thought it would happen in my lifetime, and we should grasp it with both hands.”
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