North Queensland cities push for their own new Olympic stadiums
Townsville and Cairns have made their pitch for new and improved venues for one of the most decentralised Olympic and Paralympic Games in history.
By Cameron Atfield
FEBRUARY 17, 2025
Plams fpr a revelpment of Cazalys Stadium in Cairns to a 20,000-seat arena.CREDIT: COX ARCHITECTURE
In Cairns, almost 3½ kilometres west of the city’s famous waterfront, the light towers at Cazalys Stadium dominate the landscape.
The oval stadium is home to AFL Cairns and has hosted first-class cricket matches, including Tests. In the 1990s, an old Gabba stand was transported 1400 kilometres north to take pride of place at the tropical venue.
WIth cricket likely to be included in Brisbane 2032, Cairns is pitching for a Cazalys Stadium upgrade.CREDIT: COX ARCHITECTURE
But despite being Cairns’ premier outdoor sporting venue – the rectangular Barlow Park, just a couple of kilometres away, got the nod to host the soccer – Cazalys was never really in the mix to host an Olympic event.
That was until another sport entered into the mix.
“Should cricket be confirmed as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games, Cazalys Stadium in Cairns should be utilised as a host venue given the facility’s proven track record hosting international cricket and other major events,” Cairns Regional Council says in its submission.
“Hosting cricket at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns would maximise the utilisation of this existing venue and be a further demonstration of the 2032 Games delivering legacy benefits in rural and regional Queensland.”
Cricket will make its return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 for the first time since the 1900 Games in Paris.
As luck would have it, AFL Cairns has developed a master plan for Cazalys Stadium, with Cox Architects designing a 20,000-seat oval stadium for the site.
“This redevelopment is about creating a lasting legacy for Cairns, addressing both our current and future needs while positioning us to compete for opportunities in the lead-up to, during, and beyond the Games,” AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said.
“It also opens the door to decentralising elite sports and entertainment events across the regions in Queensland, ensuring our community has a stadium to enjoy every day.”
The AFL, Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have also made a joint submission to GIICA.
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