Brisbane Lions reveal their WILD plans for home games when they’re kicked out of the Gabba for four years
In the four years that the Brisbane Lions will be without the Gabba—which will be demolished at the end of the 2025 season to make way for a $2.6 million renovation—they may be able to host some home games in Perth.
Greg Swann, the chief executive of the Lions, revealed that there had already been “offers” for the Lions to sell a portion of their 44 home games in the 2026–2030 AFL season, with Melbourne and Perth being considered.
The Lions have not yet decided on a preferred location for their game, but Swann acknowledged that any venue—likely the Brisbane Showgrounds, which can only accommodate 20,000 spectators—would cause some “pain” for local fans.
The Gabba has two more seasons left before it is bowled over. Swann stated on Wednesday, “We are currently talking with the government about our role during the interim.”
“There will be a four-year break.” That’s a considerable amount of time to remain off the mainstream. The terrain will barely support low 20s [thousands] anywhere we go. We will have over 60,000 members, therefore there will be some obstacles in that area.
We had seven sellouts in the previous season, so the code is flying. Our membership has increased by 25%. The bright side is that you become a brand-new stadium with 55,000 seats. It fills really easily and on a fairly regular basis.
