More major concerts at the Gabba?

Queensland Cricket’s chief executive Max Walters has signalled more concerts for the 42,000 seat Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Grounds) in the future.

He told the Brisbane Times that moving the Sheffield Shield cricket games to a redeveloped Allan Border Field would allow the Gabba’s operators Stadiums Queensland to lure more lucrative concerts.

Crowds for Sheffield Shield matches at the inner-south-eastern suburbs venue have been declining.

Walters told the newspaper, “If that means Stadiums Queensland can make more money out of the Gabba, then that would mean stadiums upgrades and we would get better Test cricket back.”

Taylor Swift is booked to play the Gabba on November 6.

The Gabba is most suited to concerts with an in-the-round production set up.

Twelve months ago, Adele set a new attendance record for concerts at the grounds by drawing 65,000 each night on March 4 and 5.

At the time there was a drama with the Brisbane City Council questioning if concerts were a good idea for the Gabba, and if the city’s public transport could cope with such huge crowds.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner insisted that major concerts in Brisbane should be held at Suncorp Staium.

However after Adele’s shows went without a hitch, the Council softened its stance.

“We are happy to have some other big events here in the future now that we have put it to the test,” Schrinner acceded on television after.

Adele herself made mention of the drama midway through one of her shows.

“I know there was a bit of controversy about me playing the Gabba,” she told her audience.

“I think they should shut up with their bloody moaning.

“I’m sorry if I’m not where you want me to be but I’m here so shut up.”