Theo ReillyQueensland Premier David Crisafulli has broken his election promise to build no new major infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics. On 19 March, he confirmed plans to build not one, but two new arenas in the city. It’s a story of political backflips, public frustration and Olympic ambition – a story that may, finally, be coming to an end.
For nearly a decade, Brisbane’s hopes for a new arena have simmered. The only major venue in the city currently is the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, inconveniently located 23km from the Central Business District with unfavourable late-night transport links (built for a failed 1992 Olympic bid).
With the announcement that Brisbane would host the 2032 Olympics, many felt the moment had finally arrived.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Photo by Che Xyang
Queensland Premier Crisafulli breaks his promise
But during the 2023 election campaign, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli made a radio appearance, promising that he would not support a new stadium. This was a response to public concerns about cost, and a potential neglect of other priorities like healthcare and social housing.
Crisafulli’s promise proved hollow.
On 19 March, Crisafulli announced two new venues – one mega-arena to be used for the 2032 Olympics, and another 18,000-seat stadium for other live events. According to The Australian, news of this broken promise shouldn’t come as a shock. The publication described the new construction plans as “Queensland’s worst-kept secret”. Various proposals have been floated, and the public has heard a constant stream of rumours about what will be built, and where.
Brisbane Arena back on the table – but not for the Olympics
The 18,000-seat venue, Brisbane Arena, was particularly shrouded in doubt. In his announcement, Crisafulli dispelled concerns that the project would be axed, but not without making another dramatic revelation – the venue will not be used for the 2032 Olympics. Original proponents of the arena, ASM Global, were understandably disappointed with the outcome. ASM Global APAC CEO Harvey Lister said:
“Clearly after over a decade of investment and planning we are disappointed to see Brisbane Arena not be named as one of the Olympic venues at the Roma St site. We are however encouraged by the Premier Crisafulli’s commitment to immediately call for market-led proposals for Brisbane Arena at the alternative site in Woolloongabba.”
Artist’s impression of Brisbane Arena
New mega-venue to be built in Victoria Park
To house the Olympic Games, an additional 55,000-60,000-seat stadium will be constructed on existing green space in Victoria Park. The project is expected to cost AU$3.79bn and will be carried out by the private sector.
Victoria Park is centrally located and already earmarked for transport upgrades, but questions remain about its long-term legacy use. Critics argue the city is missing a rare opportunity to invest in a permanent, multi-use indoor arena in time for the Games. Public support, however, is high – in a 2024 poll by The Courier Mail, 73% of residents supported the proposal to build the stadium.
Victoria Park arena to be constructed for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Crisafulli apologised for breaking his campaign promise and building the huge arena, but said he had no alternative: “It became a choice between the embarrassment of hosting the games at [the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre] or a new stadium at Victoria Park,” he said.
The Premier’s decision ends years of speculation – but raises new questions about the future 2032 Games.
A decade of delays and disputes
Plans for Brisbane Live date back to at least 2016, when global venue operator ASM Global first pitched the idea of a purpose-built arena. The proposal gained traction as Brisbane ramped up its bid for the 2032 Olympics. In 2018, ASM Global signed an early operator “deed” with the state government and began shaping plans for the site.
But despite Federal Government backing, the project never broke ground.
Timeline of events
2016 – Brisbane Live arena concept first proposed
ASM Global floats plans for a new 18,000-seat inner-city ‘Brisbane Live’ arena above Roma Street station.
2018 – Early Operator Agreement signed
ASM Global enters into a formal engagement deed with the Queensland Government to help progress the project.
2021 – Brisbane awarded the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Venue planning becomes central to Olympics infrastructure debates.
2022–2023 – Federal Government commits AU$2.5bn to Brisbane Arena
Support builds for the Roma Street plan, with backing from the Commonwealth for inclusion in Olympic infrastructure.
2023 – Opposition leader David Crisafulli pledges no new major venues if elected
Campaigns on a promise to cap Olympic costs and avoid “unnecessary” spending.
2024 – Crisafulli becomes Premier
New government reviews venue plans amid concerns over cost blowouts and public opposition.
2025 (March) – Roma St arena scrapped, two venues planned for Victoria Park and Woolloongabba
Premier Crisafulli confirms that Brisbane Arena will not be publicly funded or used for the 2032 Games. Instead, the government invites private proposals for a new arena at the former GoPrint site in Woolloongabba. For the Olympics, a separate 55,000-60,000-seat arena will be built at Victoria Park.
What happens next?
The Brisbane Arena has been given the go-ahead in Woolloongabba, but not in time for the Games. The Queensland Government will now accept market-led proposals for a privately funded project.
Gabba Stadium. Photo credit Rae Allen
A new 60,000-seat stadium will be built as the Games’ main venue in Victoria Park, replacing the Gabba cricket grounds (which will be demolished after the Olympics). Meanwhile, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall remains the city’s largest indoor venue, despite being nearly 40 years old and poorly located for public transport.
Brisbane residents can breathe a sigh of relief after almost a decade of toing and froing. A plan is now in motion that may finally bring the Brisbane venue saga to a close.