Council signs with Griffith University for Logan baseball and softball Olympic hope

Logan City Council and Griffith University have taken a major step forward in their Olympic-sized journey, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to explore building a diamond sports stadium.

The MOU explores sourcing private investment for the design and construction of a major baseball and softball stadium at the university’s Logan campus in Meadowbrook.

City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven and Griffith University Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans signed the MOU on Tuesday, 16 December.

Baseball and softball are both expected at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with sports for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics yet to be confirmed.

‘While I would love to see baseball and softball played right here in Logan at the 2032 Games, this opportunity is not just about the Olympics, it’s about a long-term legacy for Logan,’ Mayor Raven says.

ABOVE: Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans with Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore building a diamond sports stadium in Meadowbrook.

‘Baseball is a billion-dollar export market and, with private investment behind the stadium, we want to make Logan the home for baseball in Queensland,’ he says.

‘A purpose-built diamond sports stadium would transform our city’s future, as a potential host of major international and national sports events and also entertainment.’

Mayor Raven says the economic, tourism and trade benefits for this investment would pay off ‘for years to come’.

Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans says the University is excited to explore hosting a world-class diamond sports stadium at Logan campus.

‘Griffith has long been recognised as Australia’s leading institution for elite athlete support, partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee and ranking number one nationally in empowering athletes to excel both on the field and in their studies,’ Professor Evans says.

‘This facility would not only elevate training and competition opportunities for elite athletes, but also deliver lasting benefits to the Logan community through increased participation, local jobs, and vibrant sporting events.’

ABOVE: An artist’s render of a plaza area at a sport stadium for baseball and softball at Griffith University’s Meadowbrook campus.

Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team Anna Meares says it’s great to see Griffith University partnering to deliver high quality sporting infrastructure.

‘Griffith is a proud Australian Olympic Pathway University with a track record of supporting elite athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits,’ she says.

‘Adding a new sport on campus – and an LA28 Olympic sport at that – further strengthens their credentials.’

World Baseball Softball Confederation President Riccardo Fraccari says baseball and softball continue to thrive in Australia, which has a proud history of international success.

‘From world-class performances on the global stage to the love of the game across the country, Australia has shown time and again that it is a true powerhouse in our sport,’ Mr Fraccari says.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams is full of praise for the renderings and early plans.

‘A facility of this calibre in South East Queensland would be a fantastic addition for baseball,’ Mr Williams says.

‘Mayor Raven’s consistent commitment to exploring this opportunity has been impressive, and we welcome the ongoing dialogue as the project progresses and this MOU is an important step forward.’

The Brisbane Bandits is also highly supportive of the Council and University partnership, with CEO of Baseball Operations Mark Ready saying the MOU marks a significant step in advancing the growth of baseball in the region.

‘The Brisbane Bandits are committed to not only competing at the highest level but also helping to foster the next generation of talent,’ Mr Ready says.

‘This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for facilities, training, and the long-term development of the sport.’

PHOTO AT TOP: An artist’s render of a diamond sport stadium at Griffith University Logan campus which could be used for baseball and softball during the 2032 Olympic Games.