The Brisbane Lions could host matches at the Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre (QSAC) in a matter of years as plans to develop the Gabba continue to be discussed.
It's likely the Gabba will require a facelift ahead of the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, potentially ruling the stadium out of action for several years prior to the world event.
Since Brisbane won the hosting rights for the Olympics, discussions have been underway to find the Lions a new home stadium for the final years of this decade.
Their new training facility in Springfield could be an option for the AFL to consider, however its 10,000-seat capacity would likely mean the ground wouldn't be the Lions' full-time home venue, given it seats less than half of their recorded average home attendance for 2022.
The Gold Coast Suns' Metricon Stadium, which is over an hour's drive from the Gabba, would also be in the mix.
However, according toย CODE Sports,ย the 48,500-seat stadium at QSAC is understood to be in consideration as the replacement stadium for the Lions, along with BBL franchise the Brisbane Heat.
Formerly known as QEII Stadium or ANZ Stadium, the Brisbane ground is oval-shaped, commonly used as an athletics field, and exceeds the 42,000-person capacity limited the Gabba holds.
The ground opened in 1975 to host the 1982 Commonwealth Games and has previously been home to NRL club the Brisbane Broncos, who resided at ANZ Stadium between 1993 and 2002.
Sunday Stories | Commonwealth Games Mascot - Matilda
Matilda, the 12-metre-tall kangaroo mascot, was the star in the Brisbane opening of the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Matilda was built around a forklift and driven around Brisbane's QEII stadium! #MoBSundayStories pic.twitter.com/9M85UESSL0— MuseumofBris (@MuseumofBris) April 7, 2018
It's likely the Lions wouldn't be forced out of the Gabba until closer to the 2026 season, giving them at least three more seasons before potentially needing to find a new home stadium.
The club officially moved into their new Springfield training headquarters late last year, with the ground even being home to the AFLW Grand Final given the Lions' Women's side booked a home season decider.
The Lions are confirmed to play six games at the Gabba in the opening 15 rounds of the 2023 AFL season, while the final nine rounds, which include a further five Brisbane home games, are yet to be finalised.
