News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

[Dalions]

Any mention in the Budget last night of any changes to funding for the Olympics?

 

[Section 5]

Any mention in the Budget last night of any changes to funding for the Olympics?

No

 

[Black Panther]

The RNA oval upgrade could be for many reasons. Unless the Government tell us, we can all have a guess.

AFLW, womens cricket and rubbish low drawing mens cricket (Australia vs Bangladesh etc) that wouldn't justify the cost of paying to open a 63k stadium

 

[dlanod]

The Vic Park Stadium will have a capacity of 63,000. Thats ~11,000 more than Lang Park.

Lang Park is the best rectangle stadium in Australia, and rectangle stadiums provide a far better experience at the rectangle codes (rugby and soccer) than being at an oval stadium due to spectators being closer to the field.

But, would a ~9,000 larger capacity draw sell out events away from Lang Park, such as State of Origin? Despite likely angering purist who detest playing rectangle codes in oval stadiums.

Perth Stadium is able to drop in an additional 5,000 seats in front of the first row to bring spectators closer to a rectangle field. If this feature was included at Vic Park Stadium, increasing capacity for the rectangle codes to 68,000, then would ~16,000 additional capacity be enough to draw those sell out events away from Lang Park?

I'd much rather go to a custom built rectangular stadium than an oval one regardless of capacity.

I've been to SoO (and grand finals) at Stadium Australia, and non-marquee games at Lang Park. I'd rather go to the latter simply because the viewing experience is so much better than almost needing binoculars when the play is at the far end.

 

[Dalions]

No

There will be an announcement during the campaign.
Maybe after Dutton comes out and says the LNP will split 50/50.

 

[OGeez]

I'm so excited for the new stadiums and olympic plan. Just unsure of rowing at Rocky heard that its a tide current sos surely thats not gonna make a good course. Unfortunately no places near Brisbane are suitable for Olympics of rowing. Eager to hear others opinions.

 

[The Flying Belgian]

I'm so excited for the new stadiums and olympic plan. Just unsure of rowing at Rocky heard that its a tide current sos surely thats not gonna make a good course. Unfortunately no places near Brisbane are suitable for Olympics of rowing. Eager to hear others opinions.

It's not tidal as it's behind a dam, but there is flow. August is a time of year when where's likely to be not much flow though, so who knows.

Out of all the venues, it's probably the one that might struggle to get over the line. Not sure how keen the World Rowing Federation are going to be about the flow, location and concern over crocodiles. I've spoken to some colleagues in Rocky over the past few days and they assure me those croc worries are way overblown, but try telling that to a bunch of (mostly) Europeans.

The rowing was slated for the State Rowing Centre at Lake Wyaralong where most comps are held, but it's pretty average for spectators and facilities. That is, the shoreline is jagged with no pedestrian access for much of the course and there's basically no permanent structures. At least at Rocky, it would be relatively easy to construct a pathway alongside the river.

Rowing Australia is sceptical but diplomatic:

“Rockhampton has been an enjoyable destination for our Rowsellas on the road to major events. We have always been made to feel at home by the rowing community in Central Queensland and look positively at any proposal that creates rowing infrastructure for regional Australia,” RA Chief Executive Sarah Cook OLY said.

“However, any rowing course used for international racing must pass the strict technical requirements of World Rowing and that assessment has not yet taken place.

“Athletes dedicate their lives and sacrifice an enormous amount to make their country proud on the biggest stage, so it is paramount that they be given the opportunity to perform in the best possible racing conditions.”

 

[Black Panther]

Hang on wait!

The Australian rowing team is called the Rowsellas?

 

[lionbear]

Besides the death of the Gabba in 2033 is anything else planned with it, The Gabba is going to be a very ordinary venue for Football and Cricket by 2032. Wont need a lot, but I am guessing a little more than standard upkeep is needed?

 

[Section 5]

Besides the death of the Gabba in 2033 is anything else planned with it, The Gabba is going to be a very ordinary venue for Football and Cricket by 2032. Wont need a lot, but I am guessing a little more than standard upkeep is needed?

Under Labor they allocated $500 million each to Suncorp (increase capacity for opening and closing ceremonies no longer needed) and the Gabba for mainly maintenance and very minor upgrades.
At present i have not seen any money allocated from yesterday's announcement.

However, it was mentioned that Suncorp and The Gabba will be kept up to standard.
That would be through the usual yearly budget allocation to Austadiums.
By doing it this way it keeps the money allocated off the $7.1 billion venue budget.

 

[Billy ray]

they should run a competition for someone to win the ability to push the button to implode the gabba

 

[Black Panther]

they should run a competition for someone to win the ability to push the button to implode the gabba

they tried that in canberra a few years back ... didn't work out so well

Royal Canberra Hospital implosion - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[kranger]

I'd much rather go to a custom built rectangular stadium than an oval one regardless of capacity.

I've been to SoO (and grand finals) at Stadium Australia, and non-marquee games at Lang Park. I'd rather go to the latter simply because the viewing experience is so much better than almost needing binoculars when the play is at the far end.

I would agree, the preference would always be Rectangle Stadium first. But imagine a Bronco’s vs Dolphins final.

At what point does ensuring a further 16,000 fans don’t miss out, and the ability to generate another $2m in ticket sales and more through food and beverage start to change minds.

 

[Pns_blister]

One thing I hope they spend extra time on is getting the foundation, drainage and surface right. Last two stadiums in Docklands and Optus Stadium have not been up to standard in that space.

 

[Perrip]

Good listen to Greg Swann on Whateley today about the stadium announcement yesterday. Also gives a lot more details on the Lions submission for a new stadium. Sounds like the GIICA went with the Lions/Cricket proposal, but "made a few changes"

Also, mentioned that he and his cricket counterpart spoke to Crisafulli this morning about legacy stuff to showcase the Gabba's history once it's demolished. Mentioned something about a Gabba Round too?

 

[Section 5]

From another site. The words appear to be what i heard him say.
................................................
A quote directly from the Premier re the Arena.

He said that whilst the review could not consider the merits of a Brisbane Arena being privately funded, the government had seen offers from the private sector to build the venue at a "fraction of the cost for taxpayers".
"The government's decision not to proceed with the arena as part of the Games plan does not mean the death of Brisbane Arena - far from it. What it does mean is an opportunity to put the $2.5 billion the federal government has budgeted towards other infrastructure," he said.
"To show how serious we are about progressing plans with the private sector, today I officially announce our government will move the new Brisbane Arena priority site from Roma Street to the vacant Goprint site at Woolloongabba, and we will proceed immediately with a market-led proposal.
"The vision our government has beyond the Games also includes the Gabba coming down to make way for urban renewal beside a world class arena. Wouldn't it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final, the Gabba's swan song?"

 

[Section 5]

Builders line up for $7.1b Brisbane Olympic spree
(source: https://www.afr.com/property/commer...rty/commercial/builders-line-up-for-7-1b-brisbane-olympic-build-20250325-p5lmch)

Queensland’s largest building companies welcomed Tuesday’s certainty over the location of key venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Summer Games, even as they warned the original 11-year runway that has shrunk to just seven gives little time to build key facilities.

“We’ve been waiting for this day to come and we’re absolutely excited,” Mark Baker, chief executive of contractor Besix Watpac, told The Australian Financial Review. “Stadiums are our game. But with only seven years left until the tournament, work had to start soon", Baker said.

Architects welcomed the plan that puts the main stadium close to the aquatic centre and main athletes village.
“This new government has risen to the occasion,” said Caroline Stalker, president of the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects.

In terms of the prposed Brisbane Arena, "operators including ASM Global and Live Nation are interested in forming consortiums to develop the arena", property sources said.

 

[Chucky_23]

Is there much along the way? I know a lot of people walk from Central to the SCG which is a similar length, partly because the only other option is light rail which is always smashed but also there's pubs and restaurants to drop into.

There's not a lot, at the moment. I think the Roma Street station end of town could pick up a lot in the next decade once Cross river rail is open and then there's the Valley and the Bowen Hills precinct around Exhibition station. All about 20-25 minutes walk. Will need to do some improvement to lighting and separation from traffic to encourage the walk

 

[braddsey]

It's not tidal as it's behind a dam, but there is flow. August is a time of year when where's likely to be not much flow though, so who knows.

Out of all the venues, it's probably the one that might struggle to get over the line. Not sure how keen the World Rowing Federation are going to be about the flow, location and concern over crocodiles. I've spoken to some colleagues in Rocky over the past few days and they assure me those croc worries are way overblown, but try telling that to a bunch of (mostly) Europeans.

The rowing was slated for the State Rowing Centre at Lake Wyaralong where most comps are held, but it's pretty average for spectators and facilities. That is, the shoreline is jagged with no pedestrian access for much of the course and there's basically no permanent structures. At least at Rocky, it would be relatively easy to construct a pathway alongside the river.

Rowing Australia is sceptical but diplomatic:

They held swimming events in the open sewer otherwise known as the River Seine. A few crocs about shouldn't cause too much concern for athletes in boats. Besides, what better way to encourage some world record times?

 

[The Flying Belgian]

They held swimming events in the open sewer otherwise known as the River Seine. A few crocs about shouldn't cause too much concern for athletes in boats. Besides, what better way to encourage some world record times?

Most of the western world thinks they can't take 5 steps in our country without risking life or limb from a venomous animal. It wouldn't surprise if they were a little apprehensive. And we haven't even mentioned the drop bears.

 

[GabbaGirl]

Is there much along the way? I know a lot of people walk from Central to the SCG which is a similar length, partly because the only other option is light rail which is always smashed but also there's pubs and restaurants to drop into.

There's not a lot, at the moment. I think the Roma Street station end of town could pick up a lot in the next decade once Cross river rail is open and then there's the Valley and the Bowen Hills precinct around Exhibition station. All about 20-25 minutes walk. Will need to do some improvement to lighting and separation from traffic to encourage the walk

Agree. You’ve got the Normanby up that end and it wouldn’t be a long walk but not much else. Plenty of opportunity though

 

[lionraven]

It is now 2040. After a successful Olympics and heavy investment, Brisbane now has solid 4 million population without another 1.5 million in SEQ. The Lions have maintained a successful dynasty with a 100k members and constant sell outs. The Tasmania and Canberra franchises have had 10 years of consolidation. Do we dare to bring back the Bear as the 21st AFL team? One can only dream.

 

[mighty_lions]

I have a bit of a theory the RNA Showgrounds will act like an activation area for the olympics maybe used similar to the "champions park" that was in Paris

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/champions-park-the-place-to-celebrate

 

[Perrip]

I have a bit of a theory the RNA Showgrounds will act like an activation area for the olympics maybe used similar to the "champions park" that was in Paris

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/champions-park-the-place-to-celebrate

The RNA boss said as much on 7 News tonight.

 

[Bjo187]

The RNA boss said as much on 7 News tonight.

Surely with 20k seats they can use it for smaller footy and cricket games in the future as doesn't the show only go a couple of weeks?