In a major milestone for Australia’s sporting future, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has officially confirmed that a brand-new stadium will be built at Victoria Park, setting the stage for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The newly proposed Victoria Park Stadium will not only host the highly anticipated opening and closing ceremonies, but also the flagship athletics events, making it the centrepiece of the Games.
This transformative project cements Brisbane’s commitment to hosting a world-class Olympic Games while also laying the foundation for a legacy that will benefit generations of Queenslanders long after the Olympic flame is extinguished.
A Landmark Moment for Brisbane
The announcement that Victoria Park Stadium will serve as the primary venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics marks a pivotal moment in the city’s Olympic journey. Set just outside the Brisbane CBD, Victoria Park was chosen for its central location, excellent transport access, and capacity for long-term development.
Currently a public green space and golf course repurposed into parkland, Victoria Park will now be transformed into a state-of-the-art, 60,000-seat stadium. Positioned above the Inner City Bypass and within walking distance of three major train stations, the stadium will be one of the most accessible in the country.
Premier David Crisafulli described the project as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build something truly iconic for Queensland,” noting that the decision to construct Victoria Park Stadium was driven by both practicality and vision.
A Shift in Strategy
The choice to build a new stadium represents a clear shift in direction for the Queensland Government. During the 2024 state election campaign, David Crisafulli vowed not to construct new stadiums, preferring to focus on upgrading existing facilities such as The Gabba. However, technical and timeline challenges associated with Gabba redevelopment ultimately led the government to reconsider.
“The Gabba simply couldn’t be delivered on time and without unacceptable disruption,” Crisafulli said during the announcement. “We had to think big, act boldly, and plan for the future. Victoria Park Stadium is the answer.”
The decision ensures the city avoids the logistical nightmares and sporting calendar conflicts that would have come with attempting to rebuild The Gabba in time for the Olympics.
Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Designed for the Future
While the Olympics will only last a few weeks in 2032, the government is focused on making Victoria Park Stadium a lasting legacy for Queensland. Once the Games conclude, the venue will transition into a permanent home for major sporting codes such as cricket and AFL, replacing The Gabba as Queensland’s largest and most modern stadium.
At an estimated cost of $3.4 billion, the stadium project represents one of the most significant investments in sporting infrastructure in the state’s history. The venue will be multi-purpose, designed not only for sports but also for concerts, festivals, and community events.
Premier Crisafulli reassured Queenslanders that the stadium would deliver value beyond the Games. “This isn’t just about the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,” he said. “It’s about what this stadium can do for Queensland 10, 20, even 50 years from now. Victoria Park Stadium will be the heart of Brisbane’s sporting and cultural life.”
Sustainable and Community-Focused
With concerns around environmental impact and urban sprawl growing, planners have committed to designing Victoria Park Stadium with sustainability and community integration at its core.
Initial plans include retaining green space around the stadium, integrating walking and cycling paths, and ensuring community access before and after the Games. The government is working closely with local councils, Indigenous leaders, and community groups to ensure the project honours the site’s heritage and serves local needs.
“Victoria Park has long been a place for locals to relax, connect, and enjoy nature,” said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “This project must—and will—respect that. The goal is to build a stadium that’s not just for spectators, but for everyone.”
A New Era for Queensland Sport
The announcement of Victoria Park Stadium is also welcome news for Queensland’s sporting bodies. Both AFL and cricket stakeholders have expressed strong support for a new, world-class venue that can accommodate growing fanbases and modern broadcast demands.
Once the Brisbane 2032 Olympics are complete, the stadium is expected to become the new home of Queensland Cricket and a major venue for AFL matches. This shift will also allow for the potential redevelopment or reimagining of existing venues like The Gabba for alternative community and sporting uses.
“This is the kind of venue that puts Queensland on the international sporting map,” said a spokesperson from Cricket Australia. “It’s not just about 2032—it’s about every year after that.”
Olympic Legacy Begins Now
As Brisbane gears up to host its first-ever Olympic Games, the confirmation of Victoria Park Stadium as the flagship venue signals that preparations are entering a bold new phase. With major infrastructure, community planning, and sustainability all in the spotlight, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics aim to set a new standard for how host cities prepare for—and benefit from—the Games.
The stadium will also become a key symbol of Brisbane’s Olympic identity, similar to how the Bird’s Nest became synonymous with Beijing 2008 or the Olympic Stadium with London 2012. The ambition is clear: make Victoria Park Stadium not only a spectacular venue for the world to see, but also a place Queenslanders can be proud of for generations.
As construction planning begins and the first renders are unveiled in the coming months, excitement will continue to build around what promises to be one of the most exciting and transformative infrastructure projects in Brisbane’s history.
The confirmation of Victoria Park Stadium as the centrepiece of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics represents more than just a venue decision—it’s a defining moment in the city’s Olympic journey and a bold investment in its sporting, cultural, and civic future.
As the countdown to 2032 continues, all eyes will be on Victoria Park, where Brisbane’s Olympic dream will take shape—one seat, one track, and one unforgettable ceremony at a time.
