Hockey Australia and Hockey Queensland cite Gold Coast Hockey Centre as ideal venue for 2032 Olympics and Paralympics

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).