Canberra Capitals ready to launch basketball court at National Convention Centre

A new basketball court at the National Convention Centre is set to bring elite sport into the heart of Canberra for the first time.

Set to be launched this Friday when the University of Canberra Capitals start their Womens National Basketball Championship (WNBL) season, the $250,000 court has been developed to attract more fans and help break a finals drought.

With a capacity of 1,700, the UC Capitals move was backed by the ACT Government earlier this year with a $125,000 grant.

Capitals General Manager Matthew Phelps said the move is "going to be fantastic for our players and fans. Moving into the theatre, the comfort levels are going to be fantastic and a great spectacle for basketball in Canberra," Phelps said.

"Tuggeranong was good for our fans last year as a boutique venue. But playing in an air-conditioned theatre at the Convention Centre is going to be fantastic.

"There's new seats, there's Wi-Fi ... we're getting into a modern stadium with similar sorts of things for fans that the NBA has. It will be a completely new experience."

ACT Deputy Chief Miniter and Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry explained the ACT Government's support of the activation of the National Convention Centre for WNBL games, stating "we have worked in partnership with the UC Capitals and venue management to deliver a quality playing surface in a theatre-setting that will not only be excellent for players, but outstanding for spectators.

"With the game now only days away, it has been a long and complex process to get to this point, with numerous challenges overcome to put a sports court into a venue more accustomed to concerts and conventions.

"But the result will be clear for all to see when Friday’s game against the Bendigo Spirit tips off from 7.30pm."

The recent 2017/18 ACT budget also committed $11.6 million for upgrading broadcast and media facilities at Manuka Oval with $9 million will be spent on other Canberra venues.

There will also be ongoing funding for Canberra Stadium to ensure it maintains minimum industry standards while the Manuka Oval playing surface will be replaced at the end of the year.

The ACT Government will increase funding for sports to bring national competitions to Canberra, with $1.85 million to be spent next year and $5.52 million over the next four years.

Part of that will be a $250,000 injection per year for the Capitals and a $1.5 million plan to invest in women's sport, including W-League team Canberra United.

Canberra United's sponsorship will increase from $90,000 to $125,000.

The ACT Government will spend $624,000 over the next four years to improve safety and integrity in combat sports as part of developing new compliance requirements and $160,000 for early planning for multi-purpose indoor sports centres in Woden, Gungahlin and Belconnen.

Image: Canberra Capitals Academy co-captain Sarah McAppion. Courtesy of ACT Basketball/Paul Furness Photography.

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