Meg Harris still remembers the roar of 17,000 fans in Paris as they watched the world’s best swimmers take the podium. She and fellow Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong believe the next generation of Australian swimmers deserves to experience this on an even bigger scale. As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games, they are calling for organisers to go big by hosting swimming at Suncorp Stadium, a venue that could pack in over 52,000 passionate fans.
A Battle Over Brisbane’s Olympic Stage
With just over seven years until the Games, Brisbane’s Olympic venue plans remain up in the air. Delays, political changes, and public backlash have complicated what was supposed to be the most well-planned Games in history. The biggest fight is in deciding where key events—especially swimming and athletics—will be held.
The original plan was to build a brand-new stadium at The Gabba, but community opposition and concerns over the fate of East Brisbane State School led to its cancellation. Then, the Queensland Government explored using the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) for track and field, while Suncorp Stadium would host the opening and closing ceremonies. But when critics slammed QSAC as being too small to host an Olympic athletics event, that plan was scrapped too.
Now, Suncorp Stadium is emerging as a major contender, but not for ceremonies—this time, for swimming.
Mr Armstrong, a gold medallist from Seoul 1988, believes the 52,000-seat stadium would be the perfect place to showcase Australia’s strongest-ever swim team. Ms Harris agrees, saying she wants the next generation of athletes to swim in front of more fans than ever before.
A 100-Day Review and Mounting Pressure
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli launched a 100-day review of Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure. The review, set to conclude on 8 March, will determine whether the city builds a new billion-dollar stadium at Victoria Park or upgrades existing venues like Suncorp Stadium.
Photo Credit: Swimming Australia
Mr Crisafulli originally opposed the idea of new stadiums, calling them a waste of taxpayer money, but he has since softened his stance. He now says the review must be free from political interference, suggesting that a new venue could still be on the table.
Meanwhile, more than 5,000 public submissions have flooded the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), with different sports lobbying for their own dedicated facilities. Swimming Australia, Diving Australia, Water Polo Australia, and Artistic Swimming Australia have teamed up to push for a National Aquatics Centre (NAC) at Victoria Park, which would serve as a permanent home for aquatic sports. Football Australia has also joined the conversation, proposing a 17,000-seat stadium at Perry Park.
The Legacy Debate: Bigger or Smarter?
As Queenslanders await the final venue announcement on 25 March, the debate has shifted from what’s possible to what’s practical.
Some argue that using Suncorp Stadium for swimming would create an unforgettable experience while keeping costs down. Others believe Brisbane needs a dedicated Olympic-standard facility to leave a lasting legacy.
For Ms Harris and Mr Armstrong, the answer is simple—give swimmers the biggest crowd possible. With Australia’s swim team expected to dominate in 2032, they say nothing less than a packed stadium of roaring fans will do.
Whether that happens in a custom-built aquatic centre or the legendary Suncorp Stadium, the countdown to Brisbane’s Olympic moment is well and truly on.
Published 28-February-2025
