The beer lines are being tested and the fridges are being stocked at The Gabba’s newly renovated bars, which are set to open for the first time this weekend, for the AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats.

The bars and entertainment areas, on level four, are part of a recently finalised $35 million upgrade to public, corporate and media facilities.

The Gabba General Manager Mark Zundans said the upgrades had helped modernise the venue and would improve the match-day atmosphere and experience for fans.

“It’s been a big few months of construction, and we’re really excited to unveil the upgrade this weekend, and put our best foot forward for Grand Final day,” Mr Zundans said.

“From the moment they step through our new brightly coloured gate structures, fans will get a sense of the changes, with colour-coded sectional theming making it easier to get around the ground,” he said. 

“We’ve got refreshed food outlets and two fantastic new destination bars surrounded by lively artwork by local Brisbane street artists which adds interest, excitement and engagement opportunities to give fans a memorable experience in and outside the seating bowl.

“In preparation for the Grand Final we’ve done a deep clean and given the place a fresh lick of paint and we’ve rostered on about a thousand staff to work the event.”

O’Brien Group Director, Anne-Maree O'Brien said catering staff were already working hard behind the scenes ahead of the weekend’s big event. 

“The AFL grand final is one of the biggest events in Australia’s sporting calendar and our team have been working hard to make sure the event will go down as one to remember,” Miss O’Brien said.   

“We will be receiving 20 tonnes of fresh Queensland produce, 6 semi-trailers full of kegs of beer, which is enough to fill an Olympic diving pool,” she said.  

“We are predicting that on game day we will sell around 12,000 chips, 8,000 hot pies and 8,000 hot dogs -enough Hot Dogs to go around the boundary line twice!”

Key messages:
 

• Plan your trip – public transport is the best way to get to the game!

• Know your gate – gates will be locked you much enter via the gate listed on your tickets.

• Grab your masks – we strongly encourage covering up when at close range. 

• Check the website before you go – things have probably changed since your last visit, so check the latest COVID requirements and terms of entry before to head to the game.

• Enjoy the game!

For game day information, including ticketing and information for residents visit www.thegabba.com.au.

For information about event day parking restrictions in the Gabba Traffic Area, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Gabba Traffic Area’.

For public transport information, visit the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au or contact the call centre on 13 12 30.