Stunning 63,000-capacity stadium to be built for Olympics in controversial move that has sparked outrage
A BRAND new 63,000-seat stadium is going to be built in Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane.
The un-named multi-sport arena will be built in Victoria Park area of Brisbane and will play host to the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2032 Games.
The new stadium will also host the athletics during the games, before being converted into Brisbane’s home for cricket following the conclusion of the 2032 Olympics.
When converted into a cricket ground, the stadium will replace the iconic Gabba stadium – which has hosted test cricket in Brisbane since 1931.
Initial plans from 2021 had announced the Gabba would receive a £1billion renovation to be the main stadium for the Olympic Games, but the project has since been scrapped.
Instead, the Gabba will be demolished following the end of the Games – sparking outrage and a public apology from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
Crisafulli, who had previously made numerous pledges to not build a new stadium, said this week: “I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision.”
Speaking about the planned demolition of Gabba stadium, the Australian politician said: “Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong.
“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, and there is an opportunity for legacy play.”
The decision has reportedly sparked protests by locals, with the Gabba holding “cultural significance” to the aboriginal people of Queensland, according to ABC reporter Arianna Levy.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The plans announced by the Queensland government also include a new 25,000-seater national aquatic centre and another 20,000-seat arena near the athlete’s village.
There will also be upgrades to the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, which will include a new 3,000-seat show court arena and 12 new match courts.
While rowing at the 2032 Olympics is set to take place in CROCODILE-INFESTED waters.
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, Queensland – which is known to host giant saltwater crocs – is expected to be the location for rowing events at the Games.
Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, which is 630km north of Brisbane, is a regular sight for crocs, with rangers trapping a four-metre crocodile lurking upstream just two years ago.
Liberal politicians and business leaders have argued using the river for the Games would save the state “millions of dollars”.
President of Fitzroy Rowing Club Sarah Black believes the river could host Olympic rowing events safely, despite the croc risk.
She said: “The Fitzroy is a natural habitat for crocodiles, we’re well aware of that.
“Some of the reports in the media have been sensationalised, with comments around it being crocodile infested.
“We certainly have regular liaisons with our department of environment here. Their officers go out and do regular surveys.
“It is risk managed and something our sport does quite well.”