Australia to Spend $4.8 Billion on 2032 Olympic Venues

The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
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Australia to Spend $4.8 Billion on 2032 Olympic Venues

The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)

Australia said Friday it will spend Aus$7.0 billion (US$4.8 billion) on venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including a new 17,000-seat arena and a revamp of the Gabba stadium.

The Queensland capital was awarded the 2032 summer Olympics and Paralympics two years ago, returning the Games to Australia for a third time after Melbourne 1956 and then Sydney 2000.

Queensland's state government will pump Aus$2.7 billion into redeveloping the Gabba, expanding its seating by 8,000 to 50,000, AFP said.

In addition, Brisbane's city center will get a new Aus$2.5 billion 17,000-seat indoor stadium, paid for by the federal government. It will include a drop-in swimming pool that can be removed after the Games to create a live events venue.

Another Aus$1.87 billion in state and federal funding will go on 16 new or upgraded venues.

"It is quite clear that we needed to step up and do our part not just to create the best Games but also to leave a lasting legacy for Queensland and for all those who visit this great state," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference.

The Australian leader said there would be other "important milestones" in the lead-up to 2032.

"This will make an enormous difference to our economy, to our lifestyle, to how Australia is perceived as well in the world, which is why it is important that we get this right. And I am very confident that we have done just that."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 80 percent of the infrastructure for the Games was already in place.

"This will cement Queensland's place internationally but also, too, it is a lasting legacy for our athletes, our young people and also about creating a healthier lifestyle."



Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.