The first stage of construction for the Brisbane Lions new training and administration facility, The Reserve Community Arena at Springfield, is nearly complete. Preparatory earthworks will be finalised over the holiday break with building construction planned to commence in March. The Club has secured funding from Ipswich City Council, the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments and the AFL and will launch a fundraising campaign in the New Year to secure the final funds for the facility fit-out.

Lions CEO Greg Swann marked the occasion by conducting a turning of the sod ceremony recently at the site. He was joined by Lions Chairman Andrew Wellington, Women’s CEO Breeanna Brock, Senior Coach Chris Fagan, Coach Craig Starcevich, men’s and women’s players, Lions staff as well as key advocates of the project.

The Lions new home will include a boutique arena to accommodate 10,000 passionate supporters and will become the home ground for the AFLW team. Equal facilities will be provided for both the men’s and women’s teams including a state-of-the-art indoor training field (50m by 35m), recovery pools and a large gymnasium big enough to fit all athletes.

The Reserve Community Arena at Springfield will be accessible to the local community and the Club’s partner Multicultural Australia will be located at the facility.

Swann said it was a proud day for the Club and important to celebrate the milestone.

“We have been working towards this project since 2011,” Swann said.

“This arena will be a game-changer for our Club, with equal facilities for both our men’s and women’s teams.

“Our AFLW side will finally have a place to call home, after playing at numerous venues since their competition’s introduction in 2016. The facility will provide a stable base for our men’s team, who train at a number of venues during the summer.

“We see Springfield as an exciting growth corridor and the space available there will allow us to continue to expand.”

For more information on the project, please visit the Reserve Hub here.