Brisbane Lions join cricket’s push to ditch Gabba for ‘bigger house’ for Queensland sport
Cricket has gained a powerful ally in its efforts to have a “bigger house” built for Queensland sport, with estimations a stadium with at least 60,000 capacity will be needed within years.
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Cricket’s bold plan to abandon the Gabba has gained massive momentum with the Brisbane Lions joining them in declaring “we need a bigger house.’’
There’s been times in previous eras when the co-tenants of the Gabba have not seen eye-to-eye but senior officials from both sports revealed they were “in lockstep’’ over the plan to replace the Gabba with a new venue at Victoria Park which would be the major stadium of the 2032 Olympics.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird told a lunch time gathering at the rain-marred first day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba that Queensland had the chance to create something special.
“Our simple message is that we think it is time for the government to be bold for the city and the stadium,’’ Baird said.
“I think you can create something Australia can be very proud of. The Olympics are coming and as a New South Welshperson I can tell you it changes your state. We are excited. There is an opportunity this city and state has.’’
With the future of the Gabba under a cloud of uncertainty as dark as the clouds dumping a deluge of rain on the morning session, Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson and Brisbane Lions boss Greg Swann will on Tuesday make submissions to the new Olympic Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority which has been tasked with a 100-day review of the stadium debacle.
Speaking on ABC Radio during the lunch break on Day 1 of the Gabba Test, the bosses of the ageing venue’s major tenants said building a new stadium at Victoria Park was the best way to deliver a lasting legacy to Queensland.
“This place is ageing … we think the best option is to build a new house,” Svenson said.
He said it was not just about providing better facilities for sporting teams, citing the economic benefits a new, 60,000-seat stadium could bring.
“We see people going interstate to see Taylor Swift for example,” he said.
“Queensland money is being spent in NSW and Victoria.
“We need a bigger house.”
Swann backed Svenson’s comments and said the Lions had outgrown the Gabba.
“I have no doubt that by 2020, 2032 we would fill a 60,000 seat stadium easily,” he said.
“We will end up with 75-80,000 members … we sold out 9-11 last year, we will do that again.
“The house isn’t big enough for us anymore – we need a bigger house and that’s what we think Victoria Park does for us.
“We’ve looked at a whole lot of options (and) we think Victoria Park is the standout.
“We think the best option is we stay here (the Gabba) until the new stadium is built.”
New Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was also interviewed on ABC radio but declined to weigh into his personal preference for a stadium.
“We’ve picked the best and brightest (for the Olympic review panel and) it’s time now for the group to do its work free from political interference,” he said.
“I’ve got confidence they will deliver something that is truly exceptional.
Originally published as Brisbane Lions join cricket’s push to ditch Gabba for ‘bigger house’ for Queensland sport
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