Opinion: Gabba an icon but it can’t match world-class Optus Stadium

Queenslanders love the Gabba and will soak up its quaint charm during the Second Test, but it’s not the same offering as Optus Stadium, writes Richard Coulson.

When you’re watching Friday’s opening day of the First Men’s Ashes Test between Australia and England, you may feel a range of emotions. Envy may be one of them.

West Australians rightly regard Optus Stadium and its surrounding Park on the Burwood Peninsula, just east of Perth’s CBD, as the jewel in Australia’s sporting crown. That incites Melburnians no end.

The venue is also recognised internationally. Since opening in January 2018, Optus Stadium has won more than 70 awards. As recently as July 2022, it was awarded Venue of the Year at the Stadium Business Awards in Manchester.

In 2019 it was named the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World in the Prix Versailles international architecture awards. It has an international reputation and is a magnet for major cultural and sporting events, all year-round.

Optus Stadium’s 60,000 seats provide an unparalleled spectator experience. The view is breathtaking, the amenities varied and top-shelf, and the customer service – supported by the latest tech – is seamless.

Queenslanders love the Gabba and will soak up its quaint charm when Brisbane hosts the Second Test, but it’s not the same offering as Optus Stadium.

Perth’s Optus Stadium is truly world-class.

Delivering some of the Gabba character and emotional engagement at Victoria Park is a major opportunity.

Despite early planning setbacks, Brisbane’s Olympic plans are now gaining pace.

Their shape and direction have been set and requests for proposals for venue design and delivery are in the market.

This current consideration of venues for public gatherings is not unique to Brisbane. Along with the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart and the potential redevelopment of the MCG’s Southern Stand, a new era of sports infrastructure is emerging.

Much of Australia’s major event infrastructure was designed in the early 1990’s, a distant era when you consider the cultural evolution of the last 30 years.

New stadium economics that prioritises experience and connectivity over car parks and isolation is the opportunity.

Our evolving society seeks entertainment and sporting venues that move with the times. Brisbane - and Queensland - have the opportunity to make the rest of the country envious.

Richard Coulson is Brisbane-based chair of Australian firm COX Architecture who have been involved in the design of four of the five Ashes venues including Optus Stadium

Originally published as Opinion: Gabba an icon but it can’t match world-class Optus Stadium