The Gabba is Brisbane’s cricket and AFL ground, in Woolloongabba, about 3 km by road from the CBD. It holds 42,000 seats for cricket and AFL and up to 60,000 for a concert, and it is a ticketed venue, so you go for a match or a show rather than a casual wander.
The one thing to plan is how you get there. There is no public parking at the stadium, so most people arrive by bus or train, and many event tickets include free public transport on the day.
What is on at the Gabba
Cricket and AFL are the staples. The Brisbane Lions play their AFL home games here, and the ground hosts Test cricket, including Ashes Tests, as well as one-day and Twenty20 matches. The first Test at the ground was played in 1931. In concert mode it takes up to 60,000 people.
The Gabba does not list general opening hours, because there is no walk-in visiting. Check the Gabba’s What’s On page for what is coming up and for tickets, which are sold through the event organiser.
Gabba tours
The Gabba is not currently providing public tours, so the way to see inside is to buy a ticket to an event. The ground can also be hired for functions and conferences on non-game days, which is a booking through the venue rather than a public visit.
Gabba parking
There is no public parking at the stadium. On event days, 15 minute parking limits apply across most of the surrounding streets, so do not plan on leaving the car in the suburb.
If someone is driving you, the designated drop-off points are on Princess Street, Potts Street and Hubert Street. Accessible drop-off is on Linton Street near Duke Street, close to Gate 5. For accessible parking questions, ring the Gabba on 1300 843 422.
Getting to the Gabba by public transport
The Gabba recommends public transport. Check the Translink website to see whether your pre-purchased event ticket gives free travel on Queensland Rail City Network trains (not Airtrain) and Brisbane City Council buses within the council area. Free special event shuttle buses are available from 2 hours before the event on tickets that include it.
On major event days, free shuttles also run from Brisbane City, Carindale, Chermside and Eight Mile Plains. The Woolloongabba bus station is directly next to Gate 2. The Gabba names Woolloongabba station as the station for the ground and warns that footpath access from platform 2 changes around events because of Cross River Rail construction, so check its getting here page before you go. There is also a pedestrian overpass with a lift and stairs.
What to bring and the bag rules
- Bags: bags smaller than A3 (30 cm by 40 cm) are allowed, larger ones are not. The Gabba encourages you not to bring one at all, for faster entry.
- Cloakroom: cloaking is at the Gate 2, 4, 7 and 9 Match Day Offices.
- Food: homemade food in a non-glass container is allowed, but commercial food and drinks from outside are not, and neither is alcohol.
- Drinks: factory-sealed water up to 1.25 litres is allowed, as is tea or coffee in a thermos. Empty bottles can be filled at water stations inside.
- Eskies: soft eskies that fit under your seat (up to 40 cm by 40 cm by 40 cm) are allowed, hard eskies are not.
- Payments: the Gabba is cashless, so bring a card.
- Pass-outs: allowed. Your ticket is scanned when you leave and again when you come back.
Accessibility
Accessible seating is available, and all designated accessible seating is reached without stairs or by lift. Accessible toilets are throughout the venue, and staff at your gate can point you to the best route to your seat. For cricket events, Ticketek accepts companion cards for most events.
Planning your visit
- How long: a full cricket or AFL day is long. Allow the whole day for a Test and a few hours for an AFL game.
- Best way in: by bus or train, and leave early on a big day.
- Cost: set by the event organiser and the ticket type.
- Contact: 1300 843 422 (1300 THEGABBA) or [email protected].
Nearby
- Woolloongabba – dinner and drinks on Logan Road before or after the game.
- Suncorp Stadium – Brisbane’s other big stadium, with its own tours and transport guide.
- South Bank Parklands – a free day out for the kids before an evening match.
- Queensland Museum Kurilpa – free entry if you have time before the first ball.
Browse more entertainment and days out in Brisbane.
You might also like
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre – another big-event venue if you are planning a night out.
- Brisbane Convention Centre (South Brisbane)
- Wheel of Brisbane (South Brisbane)
Quick answers
Is there parking at the Gabba?
No. There is no public parking at the stadium, and 15 minute limits apply on most nearby streets on event days. Use public transport or be dropped off on Princess, Potts or Hubert Street.
How do I get to the Gabba by public transport?
By bus or train through Woolloongabba. The bus station is next to Gate 2, and your event ticket may include free travel, so check Translink.
Can you tour the Gabba?
Not at the moment. The Gabba is not currently providing public tours, so the way in is a ticket to an event.
How many people does the Gabba hold?
It holds 42,000 seats, and up to 60,000 in concert mode.
Can I bring a bag or food into the Gabba?
Bags smaller than A3 and homemade food in a non-glass container are allowed. Outside commercial food, drinks and alcohol are not.
Does the Gabba take cash?
No, it is cashless. Only credit and debit cards are accepted.
0 Comments