New names for the Gabba shortlisted
The process to find a new name for the Gabba continues, with the Queensland Government forming a shortlist of names for the Brisbane stadium.
However, the Palaszczuk Government is not revealing any of the shortlisted names, keeping them a secret.
The Minister said details around the naming rights proposal remained commercial-in-confidence and discussions with the identified proponent were ongoing.
Originally announced as a recommendation in a report by the Stadiums Queensland Taskforce in December 2018, the State Government put out an expression of interest to find a naming-rights sponsor for the venue.
Officially known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the Government announced earlier that year the venue would continue to be known by its nickname, the Gabba, should any naming-rights deal be struck for the venue.
The Courier Mail reported Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe confirmed to an Estimates hearing that an 11-month, three-stage tender process to secure naming rights for the Gabba had concluded in early 2020, with a proponent identified.
However, Covid-19 had delayed the government in making any decision.
The Minister said details around the naming rights proposal remained commercial-in-confidence and discussions with the identified proponent were ongoing.
The 42,000-capacity stadium recently completed a $35 million upgrade, in time for the 2020 AFL Grand Final which was relocated from Melbourne. The revenue from a naming-rights deal were meant to off-set the cost of the redevelopment, saving taxpayers money.
Mr Hinchliffe did not answer a question around when the public could expect an announcement of the successful proponent.
The Gabba has never had a naming-rights sponsor in its long history. Currently the only Test Cricket venue in Australia with a commercial name is Optus Stadium, however the venue is referred to as Perth Stadium for cricket events.
