The Gabba joins Australia’s major cricket stadiums tomorrow (30 March) in a national tribute to iconic cricketer Shane Warne.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said a livestream of Victoria’s Memorial Service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground would be shared on The Gabba’s big screens.
“More than 2,000 Queenslanders have secured free tickets to share in the tribute to Shane Warne’s extraordinary life at The Gabba fortress,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Sorrow at Shane Warne’s loss extends far beyond his family and former team mates.
“We know Shane’s death at just 52-years-of-age has shocked Queensland, the nation and the world.
“Shane Warne loved playing at the world-famous Gabba and spectators treasured watching the spin king demolish his cricket rivals.
“The Gabba joins stadiums nationwide in sharing the MCG Memorial Service.
“Thank you to Stadiums Queensland, Queensland Cricket, and the Queensland Cricketers’ Club for making this Gabba tribute possible.”
Shane Warne took 68 test wickets in just 11 test matches at the ground for an extraordinary average of 20.31.
This included his best bowling test match figures ever of 8/71 against England during the 1993-94 Ashes series.
Incredibly, Shane Warne took 11 wickets in the match to help secure a memorable Australian victory.
Gabba General Manager Mark Zundans said The Gabba’s MCG Memorial Service would start from 6pm.
“Shane Warne was a larger-than-life character and his loss is keenly felt not just among cricket fans but sports fans more broadly,” Mr Zundans said.
“We look forward to broadcasting the memorial service on our big screens amid a backdrop of thematic lighting to celebrate a remarkable career and life.”
Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson said Shane Warne’s contribution to the sport and spin bowling in particular is immeasurable.
“Many of Shane’s friends and team mates from Queensland are in Melbourne to attend the service,” he said.
“Streaming the event at The Gabba is a great opportunity for those who cannot make it to the MCG to pay their respects to a truly great Australian cricketer,” Mr Svenson said.
Queensland Cricketers Club (QCC) Chief Executive Lachlan Furnell said the QCC will be doing everything possible to welcome the public to the ground with seating to be provided inside and outside the club along with availability of refreshments.
“Shane Warne inspired a cricket generation not just in Australia but around the world,” Mr Furnell said.
“We are delighted to be working with our partners to put on this event.”
To register for tickets, go to: https://www.trybooking.com/BYDTK
Entry will be via the QCC walkway on Vulture Street.
