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The Gabba will host its first ever Australia Day Test match following confirmation Australia will take on Sri Lanka in a day-night game in January.

Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said Queenslanders had proven in the past they loved the day-night format of Test cricket and now had a chance to enjoy a long weekend of cricket action on the most Australian weekend of the year.

“There’s not much more Aussie than a game of cricket on the 26th January and first class cricket doesn’t get better than at the Gabba,” Mr de Brenni said.

“This announcement sends a clear message for young Queensland girls and boys - if you’re good enough, there’s a clear pathway to donning the baggy green on home soil.

“I think the growth in women’s cricket will go from strength to strength. With half of all school kids playing already being girls, the women’s T20 will inspire even more girls to have a go. 

“Queensland is churning out some outstanding junior cricketers and what’s great about this big ticket event is that it’s destined to see more kids pad up down at their local ovals.

“I want to thank Cricket for their commitment to Queensland - their programs from In2Cricket right through to elite talent pathways and these big ticket events represent one of the best sports development programs going around.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said she was happy to see another day-night Test match scheduled for the Gabba.

“It’s great that the partnership between Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing has again delivered a world-class sporting event for our state, this time a day-night Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba to be held, for the first time ever, over the Australia Day weekend,” she said.

The Gabba will also host a blockbuster T20 international in November, when Australia takes on India, while the Australian Women’s Team will play New Zealand at Allan Border Field in a T20 International in October.

“It’s exciting to confirm that Brisbane will host a Day-Night Test for the second time in three seasons, and we are pleased to break new ground by staging the Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba over the Australia Day weekend, the first time this has happened,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said.

“It is also pleasing that the world number one ranked Australian women’s team will be in action again at Allan Border Field, carrying on the success from last season‘s sold-out Women’s Ashes game.”

Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Max Walters said Queensland offered greater venue versatility and hosting potential than any other State.

“Australian Cricket’s strategic vision includes a challenge to us as a sport to innovate and look beyond traditional boundaries,’’ he said.

“We’re pleased that the Australian Women’s team will again start their international campaign in Brisbane at Allan Border Field. Anyone who attended the sold-out game to start the Women’s Ashes series last summer at Albion will no doubt be excited to return to see Australia host the White Caps.”
 
“Of course we are delighted the Gabba will again be a venue of a pink ball Test against Sri Lanka after successfully hosting Pakistan in its inaugural day/night Test cricket two seasons ago, one of only two venues in the country to host day/night Tests.”
 
“We will break new ground in hosting a Test match over the Australia Day long weekend, an exciting prospect under lights.”

For the full summer cricket schedule, visit cricket.com.au
Media: 0419 620 447

Media Statement Sourc: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/4/30/gabba-to-host-daynight-test-over-australia-day-weekend

Brisbane will host four Twenty20 cricket world cup matches in 2020 under a deal welcomed today by Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.

The Gabba will host four Super 12 matches in the men’s tournament while Allan Border Field will host a training camp for five international teams in the lead-up to the women’s tournament.

“Queenslanders know the Gabba is the best venue in the world to watch cricket and the ICC World Twenty20 tournament gives us a chance to show that to the rest of the world,” Ms Jones said.

“It also gives us a great opportunity to showcase our world-class training and preparation facilities at Allan Border Field, including Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre, to five of the world’s best international teams.”

Ms Jones said the announcement was not only significant for local cricket fans but also for the tourism industry.

"Limit overs cricket is one the fastest growing sports in the world so this announcement is a great win for Queensland businesses,” she said.

“We know major events help to drive visitors to our great state – under the Palaszczuk Government this sector is tipped to be worth $780 million to Queensland this year, up from $600 million last year.

“We expect these fixtures to generate more than $5 million for Brisbane’s economy and we hope sports fans visiting Queensland stay here for longer than the duration of the tournament to explore some of our world-class attractions.”

The women’s competition will run from February 21 to March 8, 2020 and it will be the first time the tournament has been held as a standalone event.

The iconic Gabba will host four Super 12 matches as part of the men’s competition, which will run from October 18 to November 15, 2020.

Queensland’s World T20 matches will be delivered in partnership between the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, Stadiums Queensland, Brisbane Marketing, Queensland Cricket and the World T20 Local Organising Committee.

Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Max Walters said he looked forward to working with the government and associated agencies to make the Twenty20 world cup a successful event to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to love cricket.

"Fans will enjoy seeing the best of the best at Queensland's world class venues, as we showcase our State to the world,” he said.

“Additionally, the legacy that the World T20 events will deliver shall provide cricket at all levels in Queensland with a strong boost to participation levels and growth.”

The Queensland Government is proud to support the World T20 and looks forward to welcoming players, teams and officials to Brisbane in 2020.

For more information on the tournament visit www.icc-cricket.com/worldt20

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447

Source: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/1/30/brisbane-to-host-world-twenty20-matches-in-2020
 

Taylor Swift fans best clear a ‘blank space’ 6 November 2018, with the American superstar set to take centre stage at The Gabba.

The chart-topping global sensation is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, having sold more than 40 million albums world-wide, thanks to hit singles including ‘Look What You Made Me Do’, ‘Bad Blood’, ‘Shake It Off and ‘Our Song’.

The Gabba manager Blair Conaghan said the ten-time Grammy winner was the perfect fit for The Gabba, following the incredible success of the Adele concerts at the venue in March.

“Adele put on the two biggest shows Queensland has ever seen and proved that The Gabba is capable of hosting the biggest and best artists in the world,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Taylor Swift’s reputation Stadium Tour is set to transform The Gabba into a music arena once more, with seats in the stands and on field,” he said.

“When it comes to concerts at The Gabba, we know it’s vital that the artist is a good fit with our stadium, our schedule, our neighbours and local businesses and Taylor Swift ticked all those boxes.

“This show will take place after the AFL season and before the cricket season, with the stage located in the East, so it will have no impact on the wicket block.”

Tickets go on general sale via www.ticketmaster.com.au on 15 December at 12pm.
 

Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Max Walters has praised cricket fans who have attended the First Magellan Ashes Test match at the Gabba.

By late on the fourth day, with Australia pursuing victory, more than 124,000 fans had filed through the gates at the Gabba to watch the opening match of the series.

Cricket fans will see a new face behind the wheel of the heavy roller at The Gabba this summer, with David Sandurski appointed the new head curator.   

He will take over from legendary grounds manager Kevin Mitchell Jr. who will finish his 27 years tenure following the opening Test of the Ashes series, at The Gabba from November 23 to 27.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said Mr Sandurski was perfect for the role. 

“Kevin Mitchell is an icon and certainly leaves some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident David will build on his success and continue to produce, maintain and present the world renowned, multi-use field of play that The Gabba has become famous for,” Mr de Brenni said.

“David has been head cricket curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the past 5 years and his experience at such a popular, highly regarded, mixed-use venue renowned for top class events like the Boxing Day Test make him perfect for the role” he said.

“Before the MCG he spent 12 years at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field, so he’ll certainly feel quite at home on the pitch at The Gabba.

“Fans will have the chance to farewell Kevin at the Ashes and I’m sure they will be excited to welcome David on-board during a huge season of cricket, with a One Day International and several Big Bash and Sheffield Shield matches, as well as the 2018 AFL season.”

David Sandurski said that whilst it was a difficult decision to leave the MCG, he welcomed the opportuning to return to Queensland with his family.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at the Melbourne Cricket Club and will be forever grateful for the opportunity the club gave me,” Mr Sandurski said.

“I cut my teeth at Allan Border Field, starting as an apprentice and doing everything up to ground manager, a position I held for about four and a half years, so this role will be a homecoming of sorts.

“While I expect challenges like getting reacquainted with the warmer climate and humidity, as well as the multi-use nature of the venue, I’m confident my experience will hold me in good stead and I look forward to getting in there and ensuring The Gabba ground remains something to be proud of,” he said.  

“Thanks to Kevin and his father before him, The Gabba has become renowned for hard, bouncy pitches and of course there is a lot of pressure to get it right and make the best wicket I possibly can to ensure a good contest and I’m up for the challenge!”

The Gabba grounds manager Kevin Mitchell Jr said he was involved in the recruitment process from beginning to end and is extremely pleased to be handing over the keys to the heavy roller to David.

“The Gabba has been my home away from home for 33 years now and it was really important to me that I be involved in selecting someone we could trust to consistently meet the high standards required and do the grounds, the teams and the fans justice,” Mr Mitchell said.

“I’ve known David for 17 years and I know he is incredibly passionate about what he does and I’m very pleased to leave the grounds in his capable hands.”

The MCC and The Gabba are working collaboratively to ensure that neither venue’s Test matches are negatively impacted. It is expected that Mr Sandurski will join The Gabba team from Monday 20 November to assist with Test match preparations, and may be made available to the MCG to consult prior to the Boxing Day Test.

 

Media Contacts
Tristan Douglas (de Brenni) 0447 164 197
Stadiums Queensland 0472 878 519

Source: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/10/16/the-gabba-appoints-new-grounds-guru-as-kevin-mitchell-jr-pulls-up-stumps
 

Cricket Australia has today confirmed the return of the hugely popular Pool Deck at the Gabba for both the Magellan Ashes Test and the One Day International being hosted in Brisbane this summer.

The award-winning Pool Deck at the Gabba was one of the hits of last summer, with cricket patrons given the chance to enjoy international cricket in truly unique surrounds and images of fans relaxing in the cool comfort of the pool or the lounges on the decks shared around the country and around the world.

The Gabba is on the hunt for a new head curator, with legendary grounds manager Kevin Mitchell Jr. set to retire after this year’s Ashes Test in November.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr Mitchell joined The Gabba in 1984 as an assistant curator, and is in his 27th year as grounds manager. 

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said Mr Mitchell would be a hard act to follow.  
 
“The name Kevin Mitchell Jr is synonymous with The Gabba and the pitches he curates are recognised as the best in the world, striking fear into the hearts of visiting cricket teams,” Minister de Brenni said. 

“To keep producing an absolute world class deck on a ground that is used all year round, takes a particular talent,” he said

“The impact Kevin has had on Australian and world Cricket is simply immeasurable. The next curator will have absolutely huge shoes to fill.

“I join all Queenslanders in wishing Kevin the best in his retirement after the Ashes this year.

“We are now on the search for someone who is passionate about what they do, someone who can produce, maintain and present a world class, multi-use field of play and keep the wicket at the highest standard for which it’s become renowned and emulate the success Kevin has achieved so far.”

The Gabba grounds manager Kevin Mitchell Jr said the stadium was full of fond memories. 

“In the ‘80s we had the really good West Indies teams touring with the likes of Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and the big four fast bowlers and that was an eye-opener for me, I thought what a great place to work,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Then in 1995 we won our first Sheffield Shield final and that was really game-changing for Queensland cricket and then the Lions won their three premierships which was fantastic for the ground and for Queensland as well,” he said.

“Of course the Sydney Olympic pool of the soccer where stage five of the ground redevelopment was completed was a magnificent event where we hosted the eventual gold medallists Cameroon in a blockbuster.

“The Gabba is a famous, iconic, historic stadium and you feel that responsibility to create something that Queenslanders are proud of, you have to love the job, it’s a big part of your life.”

Mr Mitchell took on a part-time role in recent years, and said stepping back had allowed him to take on a mentor role to other staff. 

“I’d taken a step back from the physical side of work and engaged in more of a guidance role with the team to see out my contract while helping to recruit my successor,” Mr Mitchell said.

“I want to thank the Grounds Team for their continual efforts to meet the high standards required and maintaining the culture of having great pride in producing quality playing surfaces.”

The Gabba Manager Blair Conaghan said Mr Mitchell would leave a huge legacy at the venue. 

“Kevvie Mitchell has meant so much to The Gabba and his work on the playing surface has really been instrumental in a lot of our success as a venue,” Mr Conaghan said.

“It’s been a fantastic journey for him, from the days when it included the old greyhound track to its transformation into the more modern facility it is today and to consistently deliver over such a long period of time is an incredible achievement,” he said.

“Over the past few years Kevvie has worked really hard to pass on that knowledge and expertise to the rest of the grounds team and I’m confident we’ll attract a suitable candidate to help continue his legacy.”
 

 

Media Contacts
Tristan Douglas (de Brenni) 0447 164 197
Stadiums Queensland 0472 878 519

Source: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/8/21/gabba-guru-to-retire-after-ashes

AFL fans will welcome the largest ever recruit to The Gabba this weekend, with installation of a new jumbo screen completed today.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the screen, the first of two to be installed, was part of a $7 million project to deliver four new high definition LED screens to Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba. 

Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt, says Brisbane’s iconic sports stadium at The Gabba will host its first big live music concert since 1973 when chart-topping UK singer Adele performs there in March next year. 

Mr Pitt said Adele would say ‘Hello’ to Queensland fans for the first time when she performs on Saturday 4 March 2017. 

The English singer-songwriter has sold more than 100 million records globally thanks to chart toppers such as ‘Hello’ and ‘Rolling in the Deep’. 

“I’m told the Grammy-winner’s concert in March will be the first major concert at The Gabba since Aussie band Sherbet in 1973,” Mr Pitt said. 

“This will be one of the most anticipated concerts of the year and the first big concert at The Gabba with fans seated in the both the stands and on the field. 

“Being at The Gabba it would be fitting if Adele sang Sherbet’s Howzat, but I’m not sure that’ll happen unless it’s a duet with Daryl Braithwaite. 

“The concert will feature a circular stage so The Gabba was the obvious choice and with a 60,000 strong crowd predicted, around 24,000 people will be lucky enough to be right among the action, on the field. 

“The Gabba’s management has undertaken extensive due diligence consulting with engineers on the stadium structure, crowd management and safety, onsite facilities and traffic management and are confident they can host a concert of this scale.” 

Mr Pitt said big concerts such as Adele’s were not just musical events, but also delivered significant economic and employment boosts.

“Around 1,500 staff will come together on the night to make the show happen, from catering and hospitality staff to security and event operations,” he said. 

“We haven’t had a concert of this magnitude at The Gabba and I expect pubs and restaurants in the Woolloongabba precinct will benefit from a boost in patronage before and after the event. 

“Major concerts such as this bring significant benefits to Queensland, raising the profile of our state and injecting millions into the Queensland economy,” he said. 

Tickets go on general sale via www.ticketmaster.com.au (external site)on Monday 21 November, with pre-sale opportunities to be announced by the promoter. 

 Media contact: 0447 316 432 / 0419 945 546