News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

[Elixuh]

Don't think it is that naive at all, as BRAB said its just them proposing something they really aren't keen on doing properly in a way that puts all the onus on the club, afl and Qld Cricket to be the ones saying no.

Ultimately the onus will be on the state gov to make this work. They have two guns to their head - the fact that they pursued the Olympics + the terrible optics heading into an election of spending hundreds of mils on stadiums when people are struggling to pay bills and get by. No win situation they’ve backed themselves into.

 

[M Malice]

Lions just posted this on lions.com.
RNA Option

1 December 2023

Brisbane Lions, Chief Executive Officer, Greg Swann:

"It’s pleasing this process is finally moving forward and the Government supports the RNA option as a displacement solution for the Lions.

"Naturally, a displacement of four or more years represents a major upheaval to the Lions as a club, our fans and members, and we need to ensure we’re as strong as possible to return to the Gabba when it is complete.

"As the Government has said, today is a starting point, and there is a lot of detail to work through.

“We will continue dialogue with Government and other stakeholders regarding progressing the RNA as quickly as possible to ensure the project can be funded and the Club is supported through displacement."
_____________________________________

To me it reads like the RNA is definitely the clubs preferred option. IMO we wont end up having to pay 1 cent towards the RNA upgrade.

 

[Viceregal]

Based on the figures bouncing around further up ... are they offering to upgrade the RNA Showgrounds but leave it with less seating than it has now?

 

[Billy ray]

Time to open up a dialogue with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to take over the 2032 Olympics

 

[M Malice]

Time to open up a dialogue with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to take over the 2032 Olympics

What about Shanghai Billy? The Suns could help big brother out with their contacts in that area of the world.

 

[Billy ray]

good times

 

[BangyBangy]

Will the ground be able to be used in late July and August every year during the Ekka? Will the livestock parade be the half time entertainment? So many questions.

All the free fertilizer is bound to help our bottom line.

 

[Dalions]

All the free fertilizer is bound to help our bottom line.

There is a positive to be found in everything

 

[Pacman82]

I believe 10 year naming rights can be worth around 50 million, it was for Optus Stadium. Probably time to pick up the phone & start dialing if we want to play there!

 

[Pacman82]

All the free fertilizer is bound to help our bottom line.

Fertile grounds for the growth of the club you reckon!!

 

[Pride of lions]

This is a total shambles. Surely the costs for temporary relocation of the Lions and cricket etc should have been included in the initial costings for the Olympics. To come up with this feeble amount out of nowhere at this late stage gives absolutely no confidence whatsoever in the planning for the whole Games. And they have less than 2 years to carry out the whole relocation and construction process before the Gabba is demolished. And now they expect the club and AFL to kick in millions to relocate when it is totally out of their control. Unless the government carries the whole cost I can’t see this happening. Carrara is looking more likely by the day imo.

 

[Billy ray]

how much would it be to put temporary scaffolding stands up at RNA
like they did at Carrara for comm games?


So spend what you need to for broadcast facilities, changerooms and toilets and food and beverage

And then for fans, old style just banks of seating to get capacity up as high as possible.

i have no idea how much seating the temp stand had at Carrara but seeing there were 40k at sold out days it must have been about 12-15k seats in that small section?

surely they could do 2/3 of ground with this stuff?

 

[Warwick]

This is a total shambles. Surely the costs for temporary relocation of the Lions and cricket etc should have been included in the initial costings for the Olympics. To come up with this feeble amount out of nowhere at this late stage gives absolutely no confidence whatsoever in the planning for the whole Games. And they have less than 2 years to carry out the whole relocation and construction process before the Gabba is demolished. And now they expect the club and AFL to kick in millions to relocate when it is totally out of their control. Unless the government carries the whole cost I can’t see this happening. Carrara is looking more likely by the day imo.

Exactly.

Gonna be a long 4 years.

That’s if they get it done in time. Let’s not kid ourselves. It’ll probably take until a week before the games are due for it to be finished the way they’re going.

 

[Pacman82]

how much would it be to put temporary scaffolding stands up at RNA
like they did at Carrara for comm games?
View attachment 1864171

So spend what you need to for broadcast facilities, changerooms and toilets and food and beverage

And then for fans, old style just banks of seating to get capacity up as high as possible.

i have no idea how much seating the temp stand had at Carrara but seeing there were 40k at sold out days it must have been about 12-15k seats in that small section?

surely they could do 2/3 of ground with this stuff?

Either that or just get a deal done. Aldimobile Stadium has a nice ring to it!

 

[lionraven]

Bring back the Bears you absolute cowards. Northside bears are gonna flog thr ipswich lions in 2035 grand final. Believe it.

 

[CarterS]

Love the idea but i don't think its fair the government is asking the club to put up so much money for a temporary solution.

 

[Pacman82]

The good old Brizzy Lions will be like the Oakland Raiders if they go back to old Carrara!

Chin up fellas, we can sell a game a year to Las Vegas as well, Bris-Vegas!

 

[Section 5]

The RNA Funding Proposal
This may have come as a surprise to the stakeholders.
Those being Lions/AFL, Cricket, BCC & to a lesser extent the RNA.
But they all should have seen this likely scenario from the beginning.
The consultants to the Qld. Government stated clearly that any big money spends should always remain a Qld or Federal governments assets.

The Premier/ Qld. Gov.
When asked about the RNA for AFL/Cricket the Premier always stated the RNA is earmarked for equestrian.
I don't recall the premier making any mention or promises about a proposed venue other that various sites will be looked into.
I could be wrong but i don't think i am.
I am sure lots of to and fro from the stakeholders were the reason the RNA kept being on the list of preferred sites in the media.
Most likely some MP also mentioned the RNA as a preferred site along with a lot of media. But nothing from Cabinet.

The Lord Mayor
He said the RNA was a "no brainer" and was so keen about spending $80 million (his figure) he fully backed the proposal.
As of today, when the BCC has to actually put up some big money, he has changed tune.
Today he stated, “always happy to discuss making a minor contribution” but the project would not go ahead “based on this funding model”.

Brisbane Lions
Brief generic statement when you don't get what you think you were going to get.
Using words like “finally moving forward” & “starting point”.
Not much else he could say publicly i suppose.

AFL
The AFL was only prepared to front $15 million towards the $375 million Hobart Stadium
On that basis they may put up $6 million but unlikely as the investment is only for 4 years.
That money would be better spent compensating the Lions for lost revenue.
Just add say $1.5 million to the Lions Club Distribution each year.

The RNA
They were always going to get big improvements while hosting the equestrian with 50/50 State/Federal funding.
I have previously posted without any incite as to what's proposed for those improvements.
I think the major money would be to bring the horse accommodation up to Olympic standard. Possibly add a warmup arena.
A revamped oval to Olympic equestrian standards.
Cosmetic upgrade to seating in the arena that holds 20K.
No need for extra shelter for a 14-day event other than the existing grandstands.

Why would the RNA go out and borrow money to benefit AFL & Cricket for 4 years.
The temporary stands will be taken down and capacity reduced to 12K.
If the RNA doesn't do anything they will get a great facelift for the venue they own for nothing come the Olympics.

BHA
Was not suitable for many reasons.
Club never showed proposed upgrade plans to members. I doubt anything under cover just like the RNA.
Site not owned by the Government, but they will fund 50/50 should the site go ahead with planned Modern Pentathlon.
So likely some improvement coming free down the track.

Carrara
The Club have always stated Carrara is their last option as a preferred site. I believe that time has now arrived.
I think the club may have a big concern about the players travelling to Carrara every 2 weeks.
Well paid professional athletes should be able to handle that although not ideal.
The other is a big drop in membership and of course revenue.
I don't think the membership will drop any more than if the venue was at BHA or RNA.
In fact, i think they will retain more members if they choose Carrara.
They just need to think of ways to retain them. One obvious one is guaranteed first choice good seating at the rebuilt Gabba.
We all know Carrara is a bitch to get to and return from, but you get a good seat with coverage around 80% of the ground.
Members will get paid access to members carpark (denied for away teams) as well as the usual ones near the ground.
Corporate boxes and seating already in place. Catering already in place. Ground staff already in place.
I would think much cheaper "game day fees" than The Gabba charge.

Qld/Aus. Cricket
Have not seen anything yet on their thoughts.

The Proposed RNA Upgrade
A 20-k capacity with mostly exposed seating.
Possibly a lot of money going into AFL standard lighting.
One whole wing area considered prime viewing at any AFL stadium looks like it is reduced to about 10 rows.
Then that section continues to the goal point post
The oval will be an odd shape for a normal AFL oval.
No home ground advantage until maybe the 2nd year after playing 11 or so games. However, we will have a no travel advantage.
A 20K capacity to me, indicates just 14K or less members may get a seat. That's with just allowing 500/1000 opposition supporters.
That is assuming the AFL allow us to reduce opposition members to a low number like that.

..................................................................................................


The quicker the Lions accept that Carrara is the best option the quicker they can get money out of the State government to upgrade the Northern end and increase capacity at Carrara.
Where is the money coming from you ask.
The answer is the State and Federal Government 50/50 funding for Olympic venue upgrades.
Cricket now added to LA games so is certain to be added to the Brisbane games.

The Qld. Gov. looks like they are prepared at a maximum to part with $45 million.
So, use Olympic Cricket as a reason to fund an upgrade.
If i was the Lions i would start with suggesting a $45 million upgrade to Carrara and settle with a $20-30 million upgrade.
The upgrade could include extra carparks.
Then the asset stays in Qld. Government hands, fits into the lasting Legacy part of the Gov games intentions.

 

[BRAB]

The RNA Funding Proposal
This may have come as a surprise to the stakeholders.
Those being Lions/AFL, Cricket, BCC & to a lesser extent the RNA.
But they all should have seen this likely scenario from the beginning.
The consultants to the Qld. Government stated clearly that any big money spends should always remain a Qld or Federal governments assets.

The Premier/ Qld. Gov.
When asked about the RNA for AFL/Cricket the Premier always stated the RNA is earmarked for equestrian.
I don't recall the premier making any mention or promises about a proposed venue other that various sites will be looked into.
I could be wrong but i don't think i am.
I am sure lots of to and fro from the stakeholders were the reason the RNA kept being on the list of preferred sites in the media.
Most likely some MP also mentioned the RNA as a preferred site along with a lot of media. But nothing from Cabinet.

The Lord Mayor
He said the RNA was a "no brainer" and was so keen about spending $80 million (his figure) he fully backed the proposal.
As of today, when the BCC has to actually put up some big money, he has changed tune.
Today he stated, “always happy to discuss making a minor contribution” but the project would not go ahead “based on this funding model”.

Brisbane Lions
Brief generic statement when you don't get what you think you were going to get.
Using words like “finally moving forward” & “starting point”.
Not much else he could say publicly i suppose.

AFL
The AFL was only prepared to front $15 million towards the $375 million Hobart Stadium
On that basis they may put up $6 million but unlikely as the investment is only for 4 years.
That money would be better spent compensating the Lions for lost revenue.
Just add say $1.5 million to the Lions Club Distribution each year.

The RNA
They were always going to get big improvements while hosting the equestrian with 50/50 State/Federal funding.
I have previously posted without any incite as to what's proposed for those improvements.
I think the major money would be to bring the horse accommodation up to Olympic standard. Possibly add a warmup arena.
A revamped oval to Olympic equestrian standards.
Cosmetic upgrade to seating in the arena that holds 20K.
No need for extra shelter for a 14-day event other than the existing grandstands.

Why would the RNA go out and borrow money to benefit AFL & Cricket for 4 years.
The temporary stands will be taken down and capacity reduced to 12K.
If the RNA doesn't do anything they will get a great facelift for the venue they own for nothing come the Olympics.

BHA
Was not suitable for many reasons.
Club never showed proposed upgrade plans to members. I doubt anything under cover just like the RNA.
Site not owned by the Government, but they will fund 50/50 should the site go ahead with planned Modern Pentathlon.
So likely some improvement coming free down the track.

Carrara
The Club have always stated Carrara is their last option as a preferred site. I believe that time has now arrived.
I think the club may have a big concern about the players travelling to Carrara every 2 weeks.
Well paid professional athletes should be able to handle that although not ideal.
The other is a big drop in membership and of course revenue.
I don't think the membership will drop any more than if the venue was at BHA or RNA.
In fact, i think they will retain more members if they choose Carrara.
They just need to think of ways to retain them. One obvious one is guaranteed first choice good seating at the rebuilt Gabba.
We all know Carrara is a bitch to get to and return from, but you get a good seat with coverage around 80% of the ground.
Members will get paid access to members carpark (denied for away teams) as well as the usual ones near the ground.
Corporate boxes and seating already in place. Catering already in place. Ground staff already in place.
I would think much cheaper "game day fees" than The Gabba charge.

Qld/Aus. Cricket
Have not seen anything yet on their thoughts.

The Proposed RNA Upgrade
A 20-k capacity with mostly exposed seating.
Possibly a lot of money going into AFL standard lighting.
One whole wing area considered prime viewing at any AFL stadium looks like it is reduced to about 10 rows.
Then that section continues to the goal point post
The oval will be an odd shape for a normal AFL oval.
No home ground advantage until maybe the 2nd year after playing 11 or so games. However, we will have a no travel advantage.
A 20K capacity to me, indicates just 14K or less members may get a seat. That's with just allowing 500/1000 opposition supporters.
That is assuming the AFL allow us to reduce opposition members to a low number like that.

..................................................................................................


The quicker the Lions accept that Carrara is the best option the quicker they can get money out of the State government to upgrade the Northern end and increase capacity at Carrara.
Where is the money coming from you ask.
The answer is the State and Federal Government 50/50 funding for Olympic venue upgrades.
Cricket now added to LA games so is certain to be added to the Brisbane games.

The Qld. Gov. looks like they are prepared at a maximum to part with $45 million.
So, use Olympic Cricket as a reason to fund an upgrade.
If i was the Lions i would start with suggesting a $45 million upgrade to Carrara and settle with a $20-30 million upgrade.
The upgrade could include extra carparks.
Then the asset stays in Qld. Government hands, fits into the lasting Legacy part of the Gov games intentions.

Very well summarised as always Section 5.

I also believe it’s time to accept that Carrara is the best option left on the table.

 

[CarterS]

This is a total shambles. Surely the costs for temporary relocation of the Lions and cricket etc should have been included in the initial costings for the Olympics. To come up with this feeble amount out of nowhere at this late stage gives absolutely no confidence whatsoever in the planning for the whole Games. And they have less than 2 years to carry out the whole relocation and construction process before the Gabba is demolished. And now they expect the club and AFL to kick in millions to relocate when it is totally out of their control. Unless the government carries the whole cost I can’t see this happening. Carrara is looking more likely by the day imo.

100% correct.

On the news they said Lions and the Lord Mayor were advised at 4.30pm in the evening before the first thing in the morning announcement this morning.

This government can't communicate, nor plan or organise anything.

 

[CarterS]

The Qld. Gov. looks like they are prepared at a maximum to part with $45 million.
So, use Olympic Cricket as a reason to fund an upgrade.
If i was the Lions i would start with suggesting a $45 million upgrade to Carrara and settle with a $20-30 million upgrade.
The upgrade could include extra carparks.
Then the asset stays in Qld. Government hands, fits into the lasting Legacy part of the Gov games intentions.

There'd have to be a car park down there, can't see myself getting the train and bus down there every fortnight for 4 years.

 

[Dom PC]

Brisbane playing on the Gold coast for 4 years couldn't be more of a disaster for the club imo. May as well be called the Gold Coast Lions. As a Northsider and full season member, I'll go from going to 8 to 10 games a year to maybe 1 or 2...

You are alienating 50% of the lion supporter base. I get some lions fans supporting it, but I'd have a guess the majority of lions fans supporting that live southside.

RNA might be the hard option, but it is the right option for the club. Just need to massage a few ego's and get it done.

 

[T Rick]

Love the idea but i don't think its fair the government is asking the club to put up so much money for a temporary solution.

Why should the Lions put up anything at all - this fiasco is not their doing in any way whatsover. The Qld Government needs to fund this fall-out from demolishing the Gabba.

 

[Dalions]

Very well summarised as always Section 5.

I also believe it’s time to accept that Carrara is the best option left on the table.

Best option for you.

QSAC wasn’t going to cost anywhere near as much as the RNA so I would prefer to go there than to Metricon.

 

[Dalions]

Brisbane playing on the Gold coast for 4 years couldn't be more of a disaster for the club imo. May as well be called the Gold Coast Lions. As a Northsider and full season member, I'll go from going to 8 to 10 games a year to maybe 1 or 2...

You are alienating 50% of the lion supporter base. I get some lions fans supporting it, but I'd have a guess the majority of lions fans supporting that live southside.

RNA might be the hard option, but it is the right option for the club. Just need to massage a few ego's and get it done.

Living Southside of Brisbane really doesn’t make it any better.