Tomorrow (30 March), the Gabba will join Australia’s main cricket stadiums in paying tribute to legendary bowler on the Shane Warne Memorial.
A livestream of Victoria’s Memorial Service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be broadcast on The Gabba’s large screens, according to Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe.
“Over 2,000 Queenslanders have received free tickets to attend The Gabba fortress’s tribute to Shane Warne’s incredible life,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Shane Warne’s death has left a void in the hearts of his family and former teammates.
“We are aware that Shane’s death at the age of 52 has stunned Queensland, the nation, and the world.”
“Shane Warne relished the opportunity to play at the world-famous Gabba, and fans relished the opportunity to watch the spin master crush his cricket opponents.
“The Gabba joins venues all throughout the country in commemorating the MCG Shane Warne Memorial Service.
“This Gabba tribute would not have been possible without the support of Stadiums Queensland, Queensland Cricket, and the Queensland Cricketers’ Club.”
Shane Warne got 68 test wickets at the ground for an incredible average of 20.31 in just 11 test matches.
During the 1993-94 Ashes series, he had his best bowling test match stats of 8/71 against England.
Shane Warne grabbed an incredible 11 wickets in the match to help Australia clinch a remarkable victory.
The Gabba’s MCG Shane Warne Memorial Service will begin at 6 p.m., according to Gabba General Manager Mark Zundans.
Mr Zundans added, “Shane Warne was a larger-than-life character, and his loss is acutely felt not just among cricket fans but among sports fans in general.”
“We’re excited to show the Shane Warne memorial ceremony on our huge screens against a backdrop of themed lighting to honour a tremendous career and life.”
Shane Warne’s contribution to cricket, particularly spin bowling, is immeasurable, according to Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson.
“Many of Shane’s Queensland friends and teammates are in Melbourne for the service,” he added.
“Those who couldn’t make it to the MCG may pay their respects to a genuinely great Australian cricketer by streaming the occasion at The Gabba,” Mr Svenson said.
Lachlan Furnell, Chief Executive of the Queensland Cricketers Club (QCC), said the club will do all necessary to invite the public to the pitch, including providing seating both inside and outside the club, as well as 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.