New stadium to be the pride of Brisbane Town and Lions fans
- Crisafulli Government's new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park to be home to the Brisbane Lions.
- The Victoria Park complex will seat 63,000 people, compared to The Gabba's AFL capacity of 37,000.
- The current AFL Premiers' membership is set to top 70,000 this year.
The Crisafulli Government's new Brisbane Stadium, to be built at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is set to provide a long-lasting legacy for AFL in Queensland.
The stadium will have a capacity to seat 63,000 fans, while ageing venue The Gabba holds just 37,000 for AFL matches.
With the Brisbane Lions' membership set to top 70,000 fans this year, the reigning AFL Premiers will be able to hear an additional 26,000 fans roar when they tackle the rest of the competition in their new den.
The stadium will be the centrepiece of the 2032 Delivery Plan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the benefits for Queensland will last for decades beyond 2032.
Premier David Crisafulli said the new stadium would deliver an exciting future the Queensland community would be proud of, especially AFL fans.
"Building the new stadium at Victoria Park was a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy or securing the future of sports, like the AFL, with a new home," Premier Crisafulli said.
"The Brisbane Lions inspire so many young Queenslanders to get involved in sport, and we all take great pride in their success.
"The AFL Premiers can finally feel secure in the fact they will have a world-class stadium to call home for years to come."
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said it was critical to have the right infrastructure in the right places for Queensland's needs.
"After the wasted years of uncertainty caused by the indecision of the former Labor Government, we will deliver generational infrastructure that can host our biggest sporting and entertainment events and leave a lasting legacy for our State," Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.
"Unlocking urban renewal along our major transport networks also delivers new homes, more jobs and increased investment to supercharge Queensland's economy."
Minister for Sport and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Victoria Park stadium would raise the AFL fanbase and sports participation.
"The Brisbane Lions have done an incredible job of growing AFL in Queensland, with junior participation rates comparable to some traditional football strongholds around the country," Minister Mander said.
"The new world-class facilities will motivate the players to even better performances, turning Victoria Park into a place the likes of Collingwood will dread."
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said it would be sad to say goodbye to The Gabba following the Games, but the future for the club was incredibly exciting.
"The Gabba has been a great home for the past 30 years, but the city has outgrown it, the Lions have outgrown it, and the venue is reaching its end of life," Mr Swann said.
"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 jobs and economic opportunities, and ensuring our local events industry is equipped and skilled to deliver the Games."
