Brisbane Lions to hold fan event at Queen’s Gardens, Brisbane City

Coach Chris Fagan has told an adoring Brisbane crowd that he “couldn’t be happier” as he stood alongside his flag-winning team as fans call for an upgraded stadium.

Lachie Neale holds the premiership cup aloft. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Hoards of Brisbane Lions fans have gathered to celebration the premier’s drought breaking grand final win.

Coach Chris Fagan told the crowd that he “couldn’t be happier” as he stood alongside his flag-winning team and premiership cup on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s been a brilliant effort by this group of players and all the others that aren’t here at the moment, it’s sort of historical to come from that far back on the ladder,” Fagan said.

The Lions held the fan event at Queen’s Gardens in Brisbane CBD from 1-2pm.

Chris Fagan coach soaks up the atmosphere. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The event follows a fan and supporters celebration at the team’s headquarters at Springfield on Sunday, as well as a Mad Monday celebration for the team at an inner-Brisbane pub yesterday.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also backed calls for a larger stadium for Brisbane Lions.

“It’s really clear fans are asking that question. They asked that question today, and a lot of people are saying, the Gabba sold out multiple times last season. Reached its capacity, they could have sold more tickets, but they were at their cap,” Cr Schrinner said.

“As the Lions continue to grow, they’ve got 63,000 members now. What does the future look like? Will they be able to continue to grow, or will they be capped.

“Will they be kept back by not having a permanent home into the future.”

Brisbane Lions players and fans during a pop-up premiership party in Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: Dan Peled

Cr Schrinner said the state election will resolve this issue and that people are calling for answers.

Brisbane Lions fan Emily Horsfall, 20, said Brisbane should definitely have a bigger stadium.

“I think we should definitely get a bigger stadium for Lions fans. The turnout here today proves why, especially after our premiership and after 21 years, it’s been so many years in the making that we definitely deserve another big stadium,” Ms Horsfall said.

Melanie Jones and her husband attended the celebrations with their son Angus, 16 and said with only one team in the city there are plenty of supporters.

“There are plenty of fans that love to come out and see the Lions and a big stadium with state of the art facilities can only be great for the growth of the game,” Ms Jones said.

Carolyn Carey and her grandson Maison Carey, 8 both agree Brisbane needs a bigger stadium.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions to hold fan event at Queen’s Gardens, Brisbane City