As the Women’s Softball World Cup trophy arrived in Redcliffe, Queensland officials said an alternative site was being considered for baseball and softball at the 2032 Games. They have not disclosed its name.
The trophy for the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup arrived at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on Tuesday. The tournament is scheduled for April 5–11. That same day, Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander said an alternative venue had been identified for baseball and softball at Brisbane 2032, but he did not name it. He said organisers had yet to receive details of Logan Mayor Jon Raven’s proposal for a privately funded stadium on Griffith University’s campus.
A pre-feasibility study for the Logan project is due before the city council on Wednesday. Raven has promoted a purpose-built venue as a way to strengthen the two sports’ case for inclusion in the Games. Their place in the Brisbane programme remains uncertain, and a final decision has not been made.
Mander said Kayo Stadium could accommodate softball but its field was too small for baseball. Cricket is expected to use the Gabba. Brisbane Showgrounds was ruled out because of the security perimeter around the nearby athletes’ village, despite a A$287.5 million upgrade.
Baseball Australia chief executive Glenn Williams said the sports had several venue solutions to present to the Olympic organising committee, but declined to say which alternative Mander had referred to. He said the changing status of baseball at past Olympics made long-term planning difficult. Softball Australia chief executive Sarah Loh said next year’s World Cup would strengthen the sports’ bid and serve as an early major test event on the road to Brisbane 2032.
Organisers hope the tournament will set an attendance record. Tickets go on general sale on Thursday. Talobilla Park, the original venue, is expected to be used as a warm-up facility instead. The 2027 event will be the first Women’s Softball World Cup in Australia since the inaugural tournament in 1965.