I was lucky enough to get to go through the rooms at the Gabba today (I'm not joking about being lucky it was an honour to get that kind of access). I've heard about it, I've seen it in bits on videos etc but physically seeing the current 'facility' was quite different. I think there is an invitation to members to tour the rooms in the next couple of weeks and anyone who hasn't been should try and go. In short, there is no current facility. It's hard to believe it was ever 'state of the art'. There are private schools with better set-ups than the Lions have. What I saw was:
* A 'players lounge' eating area that looked like it could comfortably fit maybe 30. I can't see how it would be possible to have a full list of players plus coaches and other club people at one time at lunch time in there.
* A couple of medical/strapping sort of areas that were big enough for about 6-8 medical tables in each. There didn't seem to be any technology or extra diagnostic devices in those rooms. I work in health and these days there are computers and technology and devices everywhere. Where do the players go for this? I saw what looked like player treatment plans written in marker pen on white boards.
* A locker/change room that was about on par with what you'd get at a sort of pokies-driven club anywhere else - Aspley/Redland type level in QLD or even leagues like VAFA in Vic. You couldn't fit the entire squad in there, it's big enough for one team on game day only.
* A small tiered lecture theatre with an electronic whiteboard.
* A senior coaches office that was big enough but looked like it had a few bits of old furniture and a bar fridge in it. Leppa was talking to D Beams in there so I didn't feel free to help myself to a look around. I don't know where the assistant coaches sit or meet or do their analysis. Upstairs somewhere in the corporate area I guess.
There were corporate/sponsor types receiving an assistant-coach briefing from Murray Davis in the foyer area next to the players lounge. Many were standing in a stair-well. As documented it is underground and so no natural light or anything. It's a stadium and a game-day kind of place, not a training facility.