Your guide to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at The Gabba

GUIDE

ICC Ment's T20 World Cup at The Gabba | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba
Danielle	 Reckless

By Danielle Reckless

Published 3 years ago

Summer brings a certain magic to the air in Australia, and not just because the sun’s shining and the beach trips are endless: it’s cricket season.

Witness the best of cricket at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup this October and November, with four matches to be held at Brisbane’s historic centre of sport, The Gabba.

Want to visit and be part of the action? This guide has everything you need to know, including who’s playing and when, how to get to The Gabba, where to eat and drink, and where to stay to turn your time here into the ultimate Brisbane getaway.

The low-down on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022

Cricket action at ICC Men's T20 World Cup | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba

Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

The flagship international Twenty20 tournament, the ICC T20 World Cup has been creating blockbuster sporting moments since 2007. As the current T20 World Cup holders, Australia is rolling out all stops for hosting duties in 2022, with seven cities across the country welcoming fans for a celebration of cricket and culture.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 will see the world's best cricketers from 16 international teams clash in 45 matches at our world-class venues from 16 October to 13 November.

Mark your calendar – and grab your tickets – for these T20 World Cup matches held at The Gabba in Brisbane:

  • Sunday 30 October: Bangladesh v Winner Group B
  • Monday 31 October: Australia v Runner up Group B
  • Tuesday 1 November: Afghanistan v Winner Group A // England v New Zealand

Why we love The Gabba

Aerial view of The Gabba stadium, Brisbane | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba

A stadium steeped in history, The Gabba is as much of a Brisbane icon as the Story Bridge or the mighty brown snake (what the locals call our river) that winds its way through the city. Named after the suburb in which it resides, it’s just 1km from the city centre.  

First established in 1895, The Gabba is one of the finest cricket stadiums ever built, and is highly regarded by both cricket fans and players as having one of the best wickets in the world. No drop-in pitch, The Gabba is the traditional kick-off venue for revered test series like The Ashes.

Spruced up with some serious $128-million refurbishments, the venue holds 42,000 and makes every seat feel like the best in the house.

Part of the city’s foundations and the foundation of Brisbanites too, nearly every local or sports fan will be able to recall their first time at The Gabba – and Gabba events now stretch beyond cricket to AFL and rugby union, as well as hosting some of music’s biggest names.

Interested in learning more? Book yourself into a Gabba venue tour where volunteers take you behind the scenes of this great stadium.

How to get to The Gabba

Public transport is the best way to get to The Gabba – and it’s the cheapest way too.

Spectators can travel for free within the Brisbane City Council shire by showing the pre-purchased event ticket on Queensland Rail City Network trains (excluding Airtrain), Brisbane City Council buses or a special event shuttle service from 4 hours prior to the event. Plan your transport journey here.

Ride share services can drop off and pick up passengers from Princess Street, Potts Street or Hubert Street.

Have accessibility needs? An accessibility drop off zone is located near Gate 5 on Linton Street (near Duke St). There is limited accessibility parking that requires a PWD permit for access.

Note: There is no public parking at The Gabba, and 15 minute parking limits apply across most of the neighbourhood on event days. Public transport is the best way to get to cricket at The Gabba.

Where to eat and drink near The Gabba

Whether you’re after a bite to eat or a schooner before you make your way into the stadium, you’re in luck. Woolloongabba is a haven for some of the city’s best restaurants and pubs, and you’ll easily find a feed no matter what you’re craving. Some of the best options are found right across the road from The Gabba in the Logan Rd dining precinct.

Woolloongabba restaurants and cafes 

Superfly Pizza Woolloongabba | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba

Photo by @superflypizza

The restaurants in Woolloongabba rival that of any capital city, with their own local spin and welcoming spirit. In search of breakfast? Pawpaw Café is a popular haunt for Asian inspired brunch dishes, or grab a coffee and toastie from Make My Day, a little laneway café by Coffee Supreme.

Indulge in some of the city’s best seafood at One Fish Two Fish (or grab fish and chips to takeaway to Kangaroo Point Cliffs); Frankie’s Smokehouse serves up traditional Texan style smoked meats; or satisfy pizza cravings at Superfly Pizza, a short walk away from The Gabba in Eden Lane.

If you’re looking to splurge on a dining experience, Detour offers a boundary-pushing menu of bites like emu tartare, cured salmon with black ants and Hawaiian green curry, while 1889 Enoteca boasts some of the best Italian food – along with a secret wine cellar downstairs that you can book out for group dining.

Woolloongabba pubs and bars

The many pubs of Woolloongabba are synonymous with a day of cricket.

The legendary Pineapple Hotel – or ‘The Piney’ to the locals – is one of the oldest pubs in Queensland, built in 1864. It’s where the Queensland state cricket team comes to knock one back – along with plenty of cricket fans too. Slightly younger but just as iconic, the Story Bridge Hotel is built between the foundation of the bridge – standing since 1886. You’ll find it pumping before first innings and throughout the match, and the atmosphere alone makes it worth a pit-stop on your way into The Gabba.

Set in a heritage building, The One Mile offers sports fans a gastro-pub experience, with a paddock-to-plate menu of pub classics. Almost right next door, Easy Times Brewing Co will give you a cold craft beer and a warm welcome alongside So-Cal style street food like tacos, nachos and burrito bowls.

On the Vulture St side of the Gabba, Brisbane German Club is your go-to for steins, pork knuckle, schnitzel and other regional favourites in a traditional style German beer hall, along with a terrace that overlooks the stadium.

For a quieter drink, head to Canvas for cocktails, Electric Avenue for an old-world pub atmosphere alongside an extensive food menu, or mix beer and retro games at Pincadia.

Looking for a moment off the beaten path? Wander down to Can You Keep a Secret: a fabulous retro-themed wine bar home to its own vintage boutique, or step through an antique wardrobe in a secret location on Logan Road to discover 1920s whiskey and jazz speakeasy, Mrs J Rabbits.

Where to stay during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Rooftop pool Emporium Hotel South Bank | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba

Woolloongabba accommodation

Take advantage of every moment of cricket at The Gabba and stay as close to the stadium as you can get. Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites has a rooftop 20-metre lap pool, spas and entertaining area, while every apartment comes with a full kitchen. You can also enjoy apartment style accommodation at Quest Woolloongabba and Gabba Central Apartments, which is conveniently located close to dining and supermarkets.

South Brisbane and South Bank accommodation

Emporium is one of the most luxe options, complete with destination dining and rooftop bar and infinity pool boasting city skyline views. There’s a host of other great accommodation across South Bank, with reliable names like Mantra, Rydges and Novotel.

West End accommodation

To stay in vibrant West End, try West End Central Apartments – or if you’re on a budget, Brisbane Backpackers Resort offers dorm rooms starting at $22/night along with capsule beds

With transport quick and easy around the whole city, you could simply stay in the heart of Brisbane CBD too. Here’s our guide to the best Brisbane accommodation – whether you’re looking for a swim up bar at the Westin or a rooftop infinity pool underneath Story Bridge at Crystalbrook Vincent.

What to do while you’re in Brisbane for cricket at The Gabba

Abseiling the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Riverlife Adventure Centre | ICC Men's T20 World Cup The Gabba

Staying in the city a little longer? There’s so many ways to make the most out of your Gabba trip, like climbing the Story Bridge, kayaking on the river, or even getting a little island time up your sleeve.

Start planning:

Add these cricket matches to your calendar

The action doesn’t stop at the T20 World Cup. Queensland cricket fans, save the date for these upcoming matches near you. This summer is set to be a hot one.

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