Brisbane Lions looking forward to moving to 63,000-seat stadium after the Olympics

Having outgrown the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions cannot wait until they move a new 60,000-seat stadium being built for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale says the Brisbane Lions have outgrown the Gabba and believes the club has earnt right at the play at the new 63,000-seat stadium set to be built at Victoria Park for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Lions CEO Greg Swann said it was like “like grand final morning” as the premiers, the AFL and Cricket Australia all celebrated the news.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday confirmed the building of the Olympic Stadium and that the Gabba would be “coming down to make way for urban renewal” after 2032.

Post-Olympics, the new stadium will become the home of the Lions, and the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat cricket teams.

“The Gabba is at its end of life, hasn’t been well maintained and we do need a stadium to host this great show (the Olympics), and there is an opportunity for legacy,” Crisafulli said.

“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final (at) the Gabba’s swansong.”

The Lions have outgrown the Gabba. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Neale was certain fans “will love” a new stadium “not just footy but for concerts and cricket and everything else”.

“It will be great for the state,” the two-time Brownlow medallist said.

“I love the Gabba. It’s got that old school atmosphere and feel to it, but having said that it’ll be great for the state and great for the footy club if there is a new stadium.

“It can hold a few more people as well. We’ve got a large amount of members now.

“I feel like we pack out the Gabba. Even on the weekend we got 30,000 there against West Coast.

“When we come up against big Melbourne clubs, the Gabba’s probably a little bit too small.

“It’s a testament to our fans and the club, and the way we’ve built our brand.”

Swann echoed Neale’s sentiments, while knowing there would be a “tap” on the shoulder to help fund its construction.

“We have outgrown the Gabba,” Swann said.

“We sell it out every week. We played the bottom team on the weekend and sold it out again.

An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Source: Queensland Government.

“It is going to be great for us in the next 10 years, to see what’s coming, and see those facilities and what the benefits will be for us.

“Between now and the Olympics, nearly four million Queensland sports fans will visit the Gabba for either a Lions or cricket match, with each event creating job and economic opportunities and ensuring our local events industry is equipped and skilled to deliver the Games.

“We can’t wait to hear 60,000-plus Queenslanders cheering on the Lions and we look forward to working with partners to support stadium design and delivery.

“We welcome the certainty this decision provides our fans, members and players.”

AFL boss Andrew Dillon said the move could help the league achieve its aim of “10 million fans attending AFL and AFLW matches” each season.

Queensland Cricket chief executive officer, Terry Svenson said the decision to build a new stadium would allow the state to “attract the world’s best cricket events” while

Cricket Australia sait the move gives “certainty about venues and scheduling”.

The Gabba had fallen out of favour as a Test venue.

“The Gabba has been wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories, however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future,” Svenson said.

“We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium that will be known the world over.”

A Cricket Australia spokesman said: “The decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling, which in turn allows us to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic cricket.”