The iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane, one of Australia’s most historic cricket venues, will be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games as part of Queensland’s infrastructure plans for the event. The Queensland government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, announced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, that the Gabba will be replaced by a new 63,000-capacity stadium in Victoria Park, Brisbane12.
Historical Significance of the Gabba
The Brisbane Cricket Ground, commonly known as the Gabba, has been a cornerstone of Australian cricket since it hosted its first Test match in 19314. Over its long history, the venue has hosted 67 men’s Tests and two women’s Tests, earning a reputation as a fortress for Australian cricket14. The ground was nicknamed the ‘Gabbatoir’ to highlight Australia’s dominance there, with the national team maintaining an unbeaten streak from 1988 to 20211.
For cricket fans worldwide, the Gabba holds special memories. Indian cricket enthusiasts particularly remember it as the site of one of India’s greatest Test triumphs in 2021, when an injury-riddled team led by Ajinkya Rahane ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the venue4.
Reasons for Demolition
Several factors have contributed to the decision to demolish the Gabba:
- End of useful life: According to Premier Crisafulli, “The Gabba is at its end of life. It hasn’t been well maintained, and we do need a stadium to host this great show”35.
- Economic considerations: The government faced a choice between “spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy, or securing the future of AFL and cricket at a new home”38.
- Infrastructure needs: The Olympics require world-class facilities, and upgrading the existing Gabba was deemed insufficient to meet these standards5.
- Long-term planning: The decision provides clarity after years of uncertainty about the venue’s future5.
Previous Plans and Changes
The decision to demolish the Gabba comes after several alternative proposals were considered and ultimately rejected:
| Plan | Estimated Cost | Government | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete demolition and rebuild | AUD 2.7 billion | Previous Labor government | Scrapped due to rising costs |
| Major facelift/renovation | AUD 600 million | Labor government | Abandoned |
| New Victoria Park stadium | AUD 3.8 billion | Current government | Approved |
The current plan represents a significant shift in strategy, prioritizing a long-term solution over temporary fixes or partial renovations34.
The New Stadium
The replacement for the Gabba will be a state-of-the-art 63,000-seat stadium located in Victoria Park, Brisbane14. This new venue will:
- Host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2032 Olympics1
- Become the new home for cricket in Queensland after the Games1
- Cost approximately AUD 3.8 billion (£1.85 billion)47
- Provide facilities for other sports, including Australian Football League (AFL)5
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson expressed optimism about the new stadium’s potential: “There is now the opportunity for Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, such as ICC events, men’s and women’s Ashes Series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, as well has hosting the BBL and WBBL in a new purpose-built stadium”15.
Timeline and Transition
The Gabba will continue to host cricket matches until the 2032 Olympics. Cricket Australia has already guaranteed international cricket at the venue until the 2025-26 Ashes series against England89. The stadium will host the second Ashes Test later this year, with Cricket Australia set to review venue allocations for future matches following the Queensland government’s decision1.
If cricket is retained as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games (following its return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics), the Gabba could host its final matches as part of the Olympic tournament36. Premier Crisafulli described this potential scenario as the “Gabba’s swansong,” adding, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final?”37
After the Olympics, the land currently occupied by the Gabba will be redeveloped, with housing planned for the site9.
Reactions to the Decision
Cricket Australia welcomed the announcement, stating: “This 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”210. The organization had advocated for building the new stadium in Victoria Park alongside Queensland Cricket, the AFL, and Brisbane Lions210.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged the Gabba’s historical importance while looking to the future: “The Gabba has been a 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”48.
FAQ: The Gabba Demolition
Q: When will the Gabba be demolished?
A: The Gabba will be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane12.
Q: Why is the Gabba being demolished?
A: The stadium has reached the end of its useful life and would require significant investment to meet Olympic standards. The government decided building a new stadium would provide better long-term value35.
Q: What will replace the Gabba?
A: A new 63,000-seat stadium will be built in Victoria Park, Brisbane, to host the Olympics and become the new home of cricket in Queensland14.
Q: Will cricket still be played at the Gabba until its demolition?
A: Yes, the Gabba will continue to host cricket matches, including international fixtures, until the 2032 Olympics48.
Q: What will happen to the Gabba site after demolition?
A: The site will be redeveloped, with housing planned for the area9.
Q: How much will the new stadium cost?
A: The new stadium is expected to cost approximately AUD 3.8 billion (£1.85 billion)47.
The Gabba’s Legacy
The Gabba’s demolition will mark the end of an era for Australian cricket. Since its first Test match in 1931, the ground has been witness to countless memorable sporting moments4. Known for its sharp bounce and pace-friendly wickets, it became Australia’s most dominant venue, particularly for opening Tests of the summer4.
For many cricket fans, the Gabba represents a significant piece of sporting heritage. Its demolition reflects the changing landscape of sports infrastructure, where modern facilities and multipurpose venues are increasingly prioritized over historical grounds.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, the decision to replace the Gabba with a new stadium represents both an end and a beginning – the conclusion of one chapter in Queensland’s sporting history and the opening of another. The hope is that the new Victoria Park stadium will create its own legacy while honoring the traditions established at the Gabba over nearly a century of cricket.
The final years of the Gabba promise to be memorable, potentially culminating in Olympic cricket matches that would provide a fitting farewell to one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues.
