What’s Happening To The Gabba? We Finally Know The Future Of Brisbane’s Iconic Stadium

For more than a century, The Gabba has been the backdrop to some of Brisbane/Meanjin’s biggest moments—from legendary Ashes Tests and nail-biting AFL finals to Taylor Swift’s Reputation tour. But lately, you’d be forgiven for feeling confused about what’s actually happening to the city’s most famous stadium.

Demolished? Refurbished? Turned into apartments? With the 2032 Olympic Games looming, a new Victoria Park stadium in the mix, and a long-awaited government review finally handed down, we finally have some clear answers. Below, we give you the rundown on what’s next for The Gabba. 

Why was The Gabba under review?

Yes, The Gabba has been a staple of Brisbane’s sporting scene for over 100 years. But despite its history, the stadium has been showing its age. Accessibility issues, outdated facilities and a limited capacity of 42,000 fans mean it’s struggling to meet modern standards—particularly with the Olympics on the horizon.

For years, a $2.7 billion rebuild was floated as the solution. Plans included a full demolition and rebuild on the existing site, but escalating costs and political reshuffles ultimately stalled the project, leaving the Gabba’s future in limbo.

So what’s happening to The Gabba?  

In early 2025, the Queensland Government wrapped up a 100‑day independent review into Olympic infrastructure—and the verdict was clear. Instead of overhauling The Gabba, Brisbane is getting a new, world-class stadium at Victoria Park.

This new venue, set to hold around 63,000 fans, will host the 2032 Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies and all the athletics action. After that, it’ll be the new home for big-ticket cricket and AFL games.

Meanwhile, The Gabba will still host matches right up until the Olympics. After 2032, though? The plan is to decommission—and eventually demolish—the old stadium. So yes, the buzzing Big Bash crowds and Lions games many of us grew up with at The Gabba are officially heading into the history books.

What’s next for Woolloongabba?

After demolition, The Gabba site won’t be left empty for long. Instead, the Woolloongabba precinct is set for a major glow-up, with plans including new housing, retail and dining, green space, and improved transport connections—anchored by the nearby Cross River Rail station. 

Naturally, fans are divided. Some locals are heartbroken to see our iconic stadium on the way out, while others are embracing the promise of world-class facilities and a revitalised lifestyle precinct that supports Brisbane’s growth on the global stage.

Either way, one thing’s clear: Brisbane sport is on the brink of a new era. There’s still time for memorable matches, beers on the benches and belting out your team’s song at The Gabba—but the city’s sporting future is unmistakably shifting north to Victoria Park. It’s time to bid adieu to an icon.

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Main image credit: Gabba | Website