Through the project build, an additional four courts have been provided (inclusive of an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Level 1 rated show court), taking the Wayville venue to a seven-court basketball facility overall.
The State Government contributed $15.8 million to the construction works as part of its continued efforts to grow sport and recreation in South Australia.
The new facility will cater for community through to high-performance basketball and see local, district, state and national league teams all training from the same venue.
The centre will be the home of programs for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball, SA Wheelchair Basketball and SA Church Basketball. It will also be the training base of the Adelaide Lightning.
In addition to the State Government’s investment, Basketball SA and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (RA&HS) contributed more than $1,135,500 and $294,400 (respectively) to the project.
A sensory room for people affected by noises, smells, lights and crowds has been incorporated into the development.
The facility will provide wider community benefits through collaboration with the RA&HS, who recently utilised the State Basketball Centre during the Royal Adelaide Show and will continue to do so each year going forward.
As put by Katrine Hildyard
Establishing places and spaces that support movement, play and performance is a vital component in helping us achieve our vision of being an active and inclusive state.
The new home of South Australian basketball will see players of all ages and abilities utilise the facility, encouraging more people to enjoy the physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing benefits associated with being active.
Our Government is serious about giving everyone in the community a chance to participate in sport and feel included, and the State Basketball Centre is another important piece of infrastructure which will help us achieve that.
Thousands of South Australians enjoy basketball; this place will enable even more people to do so and to enjoy that lovely sense of belonging that comes through sport. I have no doubt that this place will make a difference in people’s lives for decades to come and am really grateful to Basketball SA and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA for their collaboration and vision to help bring it to life.
As put by Wade Burns, Chairperson Basketball South Australia Commission
The State Basketball Centre (SBC) is an investment in community and wellbeing, belonging and social connection. It’s far more than infrastructure; the SBC provides a place and platform for basketball to shape and positively influence lives.
When people work together with their collective compass pointing in the same direction, extraordinary things can be achieved. The SBC is an extraordinary project that will deliver significant benefits for generations to follow.
From the outset, the SBC project has been about human connection. The creation of a safe space where kids will make life-long friendships, families create precious memories and basketball participants of all ages develop life-skills including teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Whilst at the same time delivering a FIBA1 compliant stadium that enables basketball to be showcased at a professional and international level.
As put by William Rayner, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA
We are incredibly proud of having the new State Basketball Centre here at the Adelaide Showground.
The infrastructure not only provides esteemed basketball facilities but also operates as one of the best dog judging facilities in Australia.
We can also provide a safe, clean and comfortable space in the dedicated sensory room and Changing Places facility for our visitors, ensuring everyone can have a great day at the Show.
