Here’s Your First Look At The New Brisbane Stadium Landing In Victoria Park
Dinushka Gunasekara
Brisbane Editor | Urban List
The race to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is officially kicking into new gear, with the Queensland Government officially announcing who will design the new Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park—following an extensive three-month selection process.
The gold medal goes to Australian-founded and internationally renowned architecture firms COX and Hassell, whose mammoth portfolio includes the multi award-winning Optus Stadium in Perth, the Adelaide Cricket Ground redevelopment, and even a hand in the MCG. Needless to say, they’re ready to step up to the plate.
Image credit: Brisbane Stadium | COX Architecture
The winning concept takes a quintessentially Queensland approach to Brisbane Stadium, reflecting the Sunshine State’s climate, culture, and identity, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and accessibility. Indigenous-owned design agency Blaklash will also be consulting on the project, to ensure it guides meaningful and ongoing First Nations engagement.
“We believe the stadium must be truly of its place, reflecting not only the identity of Brisbane but also the broader region. It should foster the connection between where we live, the surrounding landscape, and nature itself,” said COX Architecture director and chair, Richard Coulson. “The importance of long views, capturing cooling breezes, and the essential provision of shade, all embody the relaxed way of life that Queenslanders cherish—qualities that are integral to our culture.”
Image credit: Brisbane Stadium | COX Architecture
COX and Hassell will partner with Japan’s Azusa Sekkei, who have delivered 120 stadiums worldwide—including Tokyo's Japan National Stadium for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics at the 2032 Games, before using its 63,000 seats to become the city’s main stadium and public home for AFL, cricket, major entertainment events and global touring acts.
“The games are well and truly on the way as Brisbane’s future stadium readies to take shape,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King. “Inspired by the iconic Queenslander, this stadium will be a worthy home for the world’s best athletes, talented performers and excited spectators during The Games.”
Image credit: Brisbane Stadium | COX Architecture
“The new Brisbane Stadium promises to become a landmark venue for the city as its home of global sporting events and international concerts, as well as home ground for local sports stars the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat for years to come.”
In the meantime, the Gabba will continue to play its part on the Brisbane sporting scene, before being decommissioned and eventually demolished.