Brisbane Lions eye alternative home grounds during Gabba rebuild

With the Gabba set to be rebuilt ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the Lions are looking at three potential home grounds to play their AFL home games at.

The $1 billion rebuild is expected to have the stadium out of action for up to four years, with work likely to commence following the Ashes Test Match in late 2025.

The new stadium will have a capacity of around 50,000 – which is about 10,000 more than the existing Gabba.

The Brisbane Lions reportedly has three venues under consideration for a replacement ground.

Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast is one option, while the club’s new headquarters currently under-construction at Springfield, Brighton Homes Arena, is another. The Brisbane Showgrounds in the city’s northern suburbs has also been flagged as a potential option.

Lions GM of infrastructure, strategy and government relations Jacob Anson said the RNA has publicly expressed interest in hosting AFL and cricket while the Gabba is reconstructed.

“The Lions have met with the RNA and more due diligence is required to understand whether it may be suitable.”

The Brisbane Showgrounds would require significant upgrade works to be able to host AFL matches.

Brighton Homes Arena will be used for the club’s AFLW home games and will have a capacity of 10,000, although capacity will be able to be boosted with the use of temporary grandstands.

“Our focus will be on maintaining a home ground advantage by playing most games at one stadium and ensuring that we can accommodate as many members and fans throughout the disruption,” Anson said.

“We are not the only sport to be affected and we will continue to work with government to achieve the best outcome for our football program and supporters.”