Ive been quite vocal of the idea that football has to live with the idea that major matches can and should be played on the Oval venues available in the south and west of the country – simply because there is not the demand for any such large rectangular venues to justify the building thereof, and for taxpayer value.
This has not been the case in Queensland. I used to support the idea that Queensland didnt need to do anything specific for football as it theoretically has stadiums suited to the purpose. Indeed the states own Stadium review found this to be the case.
Football as a community disagreed then and continues to push for Perry Park (home of the Brisbane Strikers) to be upgraded. Kayo Stadium is too far, Ballymore is a shadow of its former self, and Suncorp is both too large, and overused – leaving turf issues both real and cosmetic that dont help matters. And thats before you get to the rent for using the venue.
The 100 Day review has recommended Perry Park be used as a training venue and possible alternate venue – although this comes with no commitments or guarantees there are likely to be some upgrades.
I have to agree with the Football community here – if they cant get more than a training facility upgrade from the 2032 Olympics – where Football is the most popular sport – then Football Australia needs to start withholding the Matildas – the most popular national team in the country at present – and Socceroos matches from Queensland.
One wonders how tight the Roars contract to play matches at Suncorp is. They should play them all at Perry Park or Kayo Stadium now. Deny Stadiums QLD the rent.
Why is the showgrounds getting an upgrade with no real Olympic purpose identified again? The Roar have already indicated they may look at using this venue.
While Im at it – it was curious to see so little mention of Suncorp in the report. Suncorp should have been the main venue for opening and closing ceremonies and boosted to 70k, even 80k. Give the Broncos room to grow, fill it for QLD Derbies, Origin and Union tests, football fixtures, concert events.
Gabba should have been rebuilt to 50k at most and hosted the athletics and other events needing that stadium shape.
That would have put Brisbane up there with Sydney in terms of Stadium size and availability for major events in all codes.You build these things as much for the future as you do the present.
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