Ah, the Gabba. The fortress of the Australian men’s cricket team.
One of Australia’s great stadiums, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, as it is officially known, has seen some truly amazing sporting feats over the years, which will live long in the memory of every sports fan.
It will also be synonymous with the famous tied test between Australia and the West Indies. When Joe Solomon threw down the one stump he had to aim at from square leg to run out Ian Meckiff by a matter of inches, on the very last ball of the match.
And who could forget the Miracle on Grass? When the Brisbane Lions came back from a 52-point third-quarter deficit in 2013 to defeat the Geelong Cats by just 5 points.
Then, of course, there was France’s incredible 29-28 win in the Rugby League test of 1955, when Australia’s Brian Davies missed a last-second 50-yard penalty which sailed just to the left of the post.
All fantastic moments, that will be forever remembered in sporting folklore.
But what exactly do you know about the stadium itself?
In this article, we’ll look at the venue in more detail, with our introduction to The Gabba in Brisbane.
About the Stadium
The Gabba Stadium, officially known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground, is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in the suburb of Woolloongabba.
Established in 1895, it is one of the oldest sporting venues in the country and has played an integral role in Australian sporting history over the years.
Owned by the Queensland Government and managed by the Stadiums Queensland authority, the Gabba has a capacity of 42,000 for sporting events.
Over the years it has undergone several renovations and upgrades and is set for another. With Brisbane being awarded the rights to host the 2032 Summer Olympics, the venue has been pencilled in to host the opening and closing ceremony as well as the athletics.
Subsequently, it is due for a $1 billion refurbishment which is reported to involve demolishing the foundations of the stadium and rebuilding it with new grandstands and a 50,000 capacity.
What Sports Are Played at the Gabba?
The Gabba is primarily known as a cricket stadium, hosting international and domestic cricket matches throughout the year. The stadium has been a regular venue for the Australian cricket team since 1931 and is known as ‘The Gabbatoir’ on account of the men’s team having a phenomenal record of success when playing there.
It has also hosted World Cup Cricket matches in 1992 and 2015 and is the home of the Queensland Bulls in the Sheffield Shield, as well as the Brisbane Heat in the BBL and WBBL.
In addition to cricket, the Gabba is also a popular venue for Australian Football League (AFL) matches. The stadium has been the home ground of the Brisbane Lions AFL team since 1993 and has also hosted an AFL Grand Final.
While cricket and AFL are the primary sports played at the Gabba, the stadium has also held a variety of other sporting events over the years. This includes six international rugby union matches, most notably, Australia v The British & Irish Lions in 2001. It has also hosted 11 Rugby League matches, the last of which was in 1956.
Additionally, soccer has been played at the Gabba, the last occasion of which was during the 2000 Summer Olympics, as well as cycling and baseball. There was even a greyhound racing track installed in 1972, with weekly evening meets taking place until 1993.
Other Events
In addition to sporting events, the Gabba has also hosted a variety of concerts and events throughout the years.
For some time, the stadium has been a popular venue for many of the biggest music acts in the world, with artists such as AC/DC, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift all performing there. Indeed in 2017, an Adele concert broke the attendance record at the Gabba when 60,000 people turned up to watch her perform.
In addition to concerts, the Gabba also hosts other events, including festivals, trade shows, and corporate events. The stadium’s versatile design allows for a variety of different events to be held, making it a popular choice for event organisers.
Facilities
The Gabba Stadium offers a range of world-class facilities for both spectators and athletes alike. To get to this level, the stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to ensure that it remains a state-of-the-art venue.
One of the most recent upgrades to the stadium has been the installation of a new LED lighting system. This system is not only energy-efficient but also allows for improved visibility for both players and spectators during night games.
In addition, the Gabba has also recently upgraded its sound system, which now provides much clearer and higher quality audio for all events held at the stadium.
The stadium has a range of seating options within its 42,000 capacity. They include general admission seating, premium seating, and corporate boxes. All seats are arranged in a bowl shape, which offers excellent views of the field from every seat. They are also very comfortable seats that have ample legroom, with the premium seats even having cushions.
For the athletes, the Gabba offers a range of facilities to support their training and preparation. The
stadium has several locker rooms and change rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and rehabilitation facilities. There are also several medical rooms and treatment areas available for athletes in need of medical attention.
In addition to these facilities, the Gabba also has a range of other amenities, including a merchandise store, ATMs, and public Wi-Fi. The stadium is fully accessible for people with disabilities, with designated seating areas and wheelchair access incorporated throughout the venue.
How to get to the stadium
The Gabba is located in the suburb of Woolloongabba, which is roughly 2.5 km from the Brisbane CBD. It is an easy ground to get to, especially by public transport, as there are several bus and transport routes that service the area.
The nearest train station is South Bank Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. There are also several bus routes that stop near the stadium, including the 29, 61, and 227 buses.
If you plan on driving to the Gabba, there are numerous parking options available in the surrounding area. However, parking can be limited and expensive, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure yourself a spot.
Brisbane is easy to get to on the M1, as well as a number of other roads and the Gabba is well-signposted. So it is unlikely that you will have any problems getting to the ground (traffic permitting), particularly if you follow prompts from a satellite navigation system.
For those staying in the nearby areas, the Gabba is also easily accessible on foot. The stadium is located within walking distance of several suburbs, including South Brisbane, East Brisbane, and Kangaroo Point.
The Gabba is also easy to get to by taxi or Uber as well.
Food in ground
Like most major sports stadiums in Australia, the Gabba accommodates a wide variety of food vendors that cater to spectators. Between them, they offer a good selection of culinary options from traditional stadium favourites to more gourmet options.
For those looking for classic stadium fare, there are a number of outlets serving hot dogs, pies, and sausage rolls. There are also several outlets offering burgers and chips, with a range of sauces available. These options are ideal for those looking for a quick and easy meal on the go.
If you are after a more modern food option, the Gabba also has several outlets serving sushi, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. You will also find several outlets serving a variety of different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
As well as the food vendors, the Gabba has a number of corporate boxes and hospitality options, that serve food and drinks throughout matches and events. These menus include steaks, seafood platters, antipasto platters and charcuterie boards.
Accommodation near the ground
For those who need a place to stay on game or concert night, or just want to make a weekend of it in Brisbane, there are plenty of accommodation options available near the Gabba Stadium. Many of these take the form of hotels or serviced apartments that cater to all budgets and tastes.
A popular pick for many sports fans or concertgoers is the Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba. It is just a short walk from the stadium and provides a range of modern and comfortable rooms, as well as an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
Another good hotel option near the Gabba is the Quest Woolloongabba. This hotel offers spacious and modern serviced apartments and a nice range of amenities.
For those on a budget, the Eastwood Apartments provide affordable self-contained apartments just a short distance from the stadium. These apartments are basic but clean and comfortable and afford easy access to the Gabba.
Other nearby accommodation options include the Gabba Central Apartments, the Moreton Bay Hotel, and the Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments. All of these options are within easy reach of the stadium and offer decent facilities and amenities.
In addition to hotels and serviced apartments, there are also a number of holiday rental options available near the Gabba. These options include private apartments, townhouses, and houses, which can be rented for short (or long-term) stays from sites like Air bnb.
Good pubs to visit
If you are looking to have a drink before or after the game there are a host of pubs to choose from across Brisbane.
Several are within easy walking distance or reach of the stadium, including The Pineapple Hotel which is a very popular haunt. Offering a range of craft beers, cocktails, and hearty pub grub, the venue also presents live music and entertainment on weekends and has plenty of sports on its big screens.
Another decent option is The Norman Hotel, which is a bit of an institution in Brisbane. It has a spacious beer garden which is perfect for pre or post-game drinks. It is also known for its excellent steaks and extensive drinks menu.
Situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Gabba in Woolloongabba, The Brewhouse Brisbane is a lively venue that many sports fans go to. They offer an excellent selection of craft beers from Australia and around the world, as well as some of the best pub burgers in town.
Other good options include The Chalk Hotel which has a large outdoor deck that is perfect for enjoying a few pre- or post-game drinks. If you are coming from South Brisbane you might also want to try The Fox Hotel, which is a trendy and modern pub, just a taxi or bus ride from the Gabba.
Quick Stats
Address: Vulture St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Capacity: 42,000
Opened: 1895
Field size: 170.6 metres x 149.9 metres
Record attendance: 60,000 (Adele concert 2017)