The Gabba Upgrades

Work is underway on the $35 million upgrade to The Gabba. An internationally renowned venue with a proud place in Queensland’s sporting history, this upgrade will modernise The Gabba and improve the match-day atmosphere and experience for fans.

These works will build on The Gabba’s reputation as a venue that delivers outstanding sporting contests and events and boost The Gabba’s ability to attract big names and big games to Queensland.

The upgrade includes enhancements to entries and ticketing areas, public concourses, food and beverage outlets, bar and entertainments spaces, improved signage and wayfinding, and upgraded media and corporate spaces.

Construction history of The Gabba

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mark Zundans, General Manager The Gabba - "Whether it’s footy or cricket, a concert or a community event, fans are at the heart of what we do, and the facilities on offer are a big part of their overall experience of attending an event. We appreciate the Queensland Government’s commitment in this project, and we can’t wait for our fans to return and have some truly amazing experiences at our events at The Gabba once the upgrade is complete".

Terry Svenson, Queensland Cricket CEO - "The Gabba is an iconic Australian stadium and one that all Queensland cricket fans hold dear to their hearts. The stadium’s wicket has no rival in this country, and these stadium upgrades will go a long way to ensuring the experiences fans have from their seats is just as good as the action they are watching on the field. We see the upgrades playing a crucial role in helping us secure the best international and Big Bash League games for our fans into the future.".

Chris Lynn, Brisbane Heat Captain - "There is nothing like playing at the Gabba when it’s full. The noise from the crowd is as loud as anything I have played in front of around the world. This support we receive from our fans makes these upgrades all the more important. Hopefully a better stadium experience will bring more fans into the ground and will help us to keep growing cricket and the Big Bash League. Everyone at the Brisbane Heat is excited by what the future holds with a new and improved Gabba stadium.".

Greg Swann, CEO Brisbane Lions - "We’re looking forward to the enhanced match day experience that our members and fans will receive as a result of these upgrades. The Gabba is already one of the best grounds in the country for viewing and atmosphere, and these upgrades ensure it remains in that top tier of stadiums in the country.".

Chris Fagan, Senior Coach Brisbane Lions - "The Gabba has been given many names by our fans across the years - The Gabbatoire, a Fortress – and it’s been a place our rivals have feared coming to play at. We’ve worked really hard in recent times to create that feeling once more for our rivals, and for our fans, and these upgrades will go a long way to solidifying that theme. I’m really pleased that our members and fans will have one of the best stadium experiences in the country whilst supporting our team.".

DESIGN FEATURES

The upgrade will introduce coloured zones that relate to gate numbers, which will make it easier to get around while adding character and personality to the space.

Gate Entry and Concourse Theming

GATE ENTRIES

Gate entries located at the four corners of the stadium are to be improved both functionally and aesthetically. Each entry will have their own defining theme and colour to make it easier to find your gate or meeting point.

FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS

A number of food and beverage outlets will be upgraded and themed within their zones to create unique destinations

SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING

Improved wayfinding signage and activation of the concourses will enhance the customer experience when navigating the stadium, and generally improve the aesthetics of the venue.

CORPORATE SPACES

Eastern Corporate suites have been redesigned to meet the latest in modern stadia trends offering flexible configurations and terrace like experience with operable glass walls.

ENTERTAINMENT AREAS

Various themed destination zones within the venue providing comfortable seating areas and shade.

MEDIA SPACES

Northern Corporate suites will be replaced with more flexible spaces that can be reconfigured into either three separate suites, one large function space or a media overflow space.

PROJECT TIMELINE

The Managing Contractor, Watpac were appointed in January 2020 and works began in March. The project is on track for completion by October 2020, ahead of the first match of the T20 World Cup.

Main works now underway

Main works are now underway, with construction on Major and Minor gate entries, amenities; including Changing Places and Sensory Room, media suites & Operations, corporate suites, members dining and food and beverage areas taking place.

Latest construction statistics

31,590 man hours worked
3.43% of hours delivered by Indigenous people -
30 apprentices & trainees
More than 31 local sub-contractors with more than 140 local businesses in the supply chain

*As at the end of June 2020

DELIVERY TEAM

Stadiums Queensland is working with the Department of Housing and Public Works to deliver the project. The project has been designed by local Brisbane architecture firm Populous and construction will be delivered by Watpac who were also involved in The Gabba’s most significant redevelopment in the 90’s/00s, as well as the recent installation of the high definition video screens.

The Gabba’s key hirers Brisbane Lions, AFL, Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have also provided detailed input into the project plans.

Meet the team!

Brayden Goodwin, Populous Associate Principal -“Being both passionate sports architects and Brisbane locals, Populous was thrilled to work with Stadium’s Queensland and the GABBA on this project.

The main aim of the refurbishment was to improve the fan experience by providing a new overall wayfinding strategy for the venue, modernising of the gate entries, activation of the concourse and public spaces, new destination bars and a significant refurbishment of the media, operations and corporate facilities.".

Drew Brockhurst, General Manager Queensland and the Northern Territory -“We’re proud of our record building and refurbishing stadiums in Queensland but the Gabba is truly sacred ground for us, just as it is for every Queensland sports fan. We were involved in the original Gabba redevelopment and to be back reinvigorating this iconic stadium is very special for everyone at Watpac. Go the Gabba!".

A NOTE ON COVID-19

Workers are adhering to the strict COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing, rescheduling works to reduce multiple trades onsite simultaneously, separated break areas and increased hygiene and sanitation practices.

Get in touch: For enquiries about construction activities email gabba@watpac.com.au

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why the investment?

The most recent major redevelopment was completed over 10 years (1994‑2005) at a cost of $132 million.
We are making this investment to ensure the rest of the stadium keeps pace with new and renovated venues interstate and overseas so that The Gabba continues to retain premium content.

Will there be a change to seating capacity?

The upgrade will not include a change to seating capacity. During construction there will be no change to general seating areas, however the schedule of works may result in some short term unavailability of selected areas, such as bars and corporate spaces.
The official capacity of The Gabba is 42,000, however the capacity can vary, depending on the configuration and the event’s requirements.

Will there be road closure around the venue during the works?

Construction impacts on local traffic are expected to be minimal.