IOC Backs Brisbane 2032 Stadium Plans, Confident Games On Track

The International Olympic Committee has expressed strong confidence in Brisbane's preparations for the 2032 Olympics during a recent three-day visit by the coordination commission and IOC President Thomas Bach. The IOC endorsed the revised venue plan centering on a new 60,000-seat stadium and aquatic centre at Victoria Park, alongside an athlete village at the Brisbane Showgrounds, emphasizing the strategy's alignment with sustainability goals and the 'New Norm' reforms to reduce costs and maximize legacy benefits. Coordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski highlighted the importance of integrating the Games with the city's fabric rather than imposing changes, drawing parallels with the lasting legacies of the Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000 Olympics. Bach underscored the venues as vital investments in Brisbane's future urban development, noting the Olympic Village addresses the city's housing needs and advocating for an authentic Games that reflects Brisbane's unique identity and values. While the new venue plan includes significant infrastructure development, the IOC remains hopeful the Woolloongabba arena will be ready but is prepared for the Games to proceed without it if necessary. Overall, the IOC's support reinforces Brisbane's trajectory toward hosting a successful, sustainable, and legacy-focused Olympic Games.