AusLeisure

In a joint submission to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review, Hockey Queensland and Hockey Australia have suggested the Gold Coast Hockey Centre (GCHC) as their preferred venue for hockey competition at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

Addressing the venue requirements for hockey at the Games, the bodies indicate that GCHC’s strategic advantages in cost-effectiveness and sustainability, make it the “optimal venue” for Brisbane 2032.

In a press release on their joint submission Hockey Australia and Hockey Queensland, the bodies explain that their submission “reflects the collective commitment of HQ and HA to ensuring both the success of the Games and the establishment of a lasting legacy for hockey in Queensland.”

They add “as a legacy facility from the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the GCHC requires minimal upgrades, including an additional pitch and broadcasting capabilities, to meet international standards. These upgrades would not only ensure a world-class Olympic competition but also unlock opportunities for pre-Games activations, such as the FIH World Cup, Junior World Cup, and other key events.

“HQ and HA emphasise that the presentation of hockey as a fan-favourite Olympic sport is paramount, with a strong focus on delivering a visually and aesthetically engaging experience for global audiences. The Gold Coast venue stands uniquely positioned to achieve this goal while offering a professional environment for athletes and fans alike.

“Importantly, the venue integrates seamlessly with the proposed athlete village at Robina, ensuring a full Olympic standard athlete experience.”

Need to address hockey facilities in Brisbane
Hockey Queensland and Hockey Australia also highlighted the critical need for additional facilities in Brisbane, pointing to a significant shortfall in synthetic hockey pitches across the state, particularly in Brisbane.

The organisations emphasised the strategic value of a Brisbane venue, citing its capacity to host high-profile events and serve as a central hub for the sport in Queensland.

It advises “hockey in Queensland faces a critical infrastructure deficit, with a current shortfall of six to seven synthetic pitches as identified in the 2024 Major Infrastructure Feasibility Study.”

Referencing earlier suggestions that the Ballymore rugby facility be used as a temporary Games venue with ‘drop-in’ pitches, it notes “(if) Ballymore, is pursued, it must be accompanied by a commitment to legacy upgrades in Brisbane.

“These upgrades should include improvements to the State Hockey Centre and investments in additional pitches to meet future demand and provide enduring benefits for the hockey community.”

The submission also identifies unresolved constraints with the Ballymore site, flagged during prior consultations, including feedback from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

It adds “these include orientation challenges, incomplete planning documentation, and the impact of environmental risks highlighted by the 2022 Brisbane floods that also affected Downey Park.

“While HQ and HA remain open to engaging further on temporary solutions, such options cannot fully align with the TOR (Terms of Reference for the 100-Day Infrastructure Review)’s legacy-focused principles without accompanying lasting infrastructure investments.”

Click here to view the submission.

Images: The Gold Coast Hockey Centre (top, credit: Experience Gold Coast) and the facility during the 2018 Commonwealth Games (below, credit: Gold Coast Hockey Centre).

Related Articles

11th January 2025 - Gold Coast City Council makes case to stage Brisbane 2032 aquatic events

3rd January 2025 - Events to boost Queensland 2025 economy by $1 billion

16th December 2024 - New design for Gabba and adjacent Brisbane Arena presented to 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure and planning review

16th December 2024 - New long term partnership announced between AusTriathlon and City of Gold Coast

10th December 2024 - Stadiums Queensland venues welcomed record 5.8 million patrons in 2023/24 financial year

6th December 2024 - Backers revive plans for key Brisbane 2032 Games venues at Victoria Park

14th November 2024 - Negotiations completed for construction of Hockey Australia Centre of Excellence

8th November 2024 - Plans unveiled for 12,000-seat arena on the Gold Coast

28th October 2024 - New Queensland Premier to deliver changed plan for main venue for Brisbane Olympics

27th September 2024 - New advisory group to make Brisbane 2032 Games a catalyst for change

10th September 2024 - Sport sector launches Australia-wide talent search ahead of Brisbane 2032

22nd August 2024 - Hockey Australia partners with Sports Environment Alliance

19th August 2024 - Design consortium reveals proposal for riverside Brisbane 2032 Olympic stadium

16th August 2024 - AIS plans for doubling number of Paralympic coaches ahead of Brisbane 2032

13th August 2024 - Brisbane 2032 appoints senior Paris Olympics executive as Chief Commercial Officer

2nd August 2024 - Northshore Brisbane $87 million street renewal commences in preparation for 2032 Games Athlete Village

11th July 2024 - First five Minor Venue Program projects approved for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

2nd July 2024 - Hockey Australia reveals its new Climate Sustainability Strategy

8th May 2024 - Brisbane 2032 Legacy Committee meets under new chair

16th April 2024 - Hockey Queensland partners with United Sports to enhance player wellbeing and performance

18th March 2024 - Hockey Major Infrastructure Feasibility Study highlights need for more facilities in Brisbane

19th February 2024 - Ballymore revenue drives fifth consecutive of profit for Queensland Rugby Union

17th January 2024 - Sportway follows Australian launch with Hockey Australia partnership

27th November 2023 - Torrens University and Ice Hockey Australia announce education collaboration

5th June 2023 - Hockey Australia announces trio of leadership appointments

21st April 2023 - Ballymore redevelopment moves forward with historic venue to be the new home of Brisbane Roar A-League Women

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.