Indoor stadium at Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre gets official opening

The $12.4 million upgrade of the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC) has been officially opened.

The venue expansion comes complete with two new multisport courts marked for netball, basketball and volleyball - increasing the venue’s number of courts to five - while there are also new gym facilities to cater for extra demand.

The show court has also been upgraded to competition standard with the seating capacity increased to 900 allowing for the future hosting of NBL and WNBL games.

Together the upgrades provide a home court advantage for the more than 2000 participants that play in the local Wangaratta Basketball Association, Wangaratta Netball Association and Wangaratta Volleyball Association.

Made possible by a $5.47 million investment from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, on top of funding from the Rural City of Wangaratta Council, the expanded space got its official opening at the end of last month.

Speaking at the opening, Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes commented “the stadium expansion will go a long way to supporting the growing numbers of locals keen to get involved in an even wider range of indoor sport.

“A better show court also gives this town a real advantage when it comes to attracting the big events.

"Sport is the lifeblood of regional communities with the centre an integral part of the social fabric of this sports-loving community."

Wangaratta Mayor, Irene Grant noted “for those of us who live and work in Wangaratta, we know how fortunate we are to have such amazing facilities at our doorstep to give us the opportunities for not only recreation but to extend ourselves in the sporting sphere.

"We all know that this particular facility has been part of the Wangaratta landscape for over 50 years, and it has come a long way in that time."

Mayor Grant said the facility not only provides an opportunity for sporting activities but for social engagement, adding “we are very fortunate to have a facility like this, there are few towns in regional Victoria that have facilities as wonderful as this.

"The upgrade is not just for the locals, but also to help put Wangaratta on the map as a premium destination for sports in the regions.

"Beyond sport, these facilities bring wider benefits to our region, we have been able to attract high profile events that boost our local economy, bring visitors, support businesses and showcase our community on a larger stage.

"These spaces provide opportunities for everyone to get involved, stay active and enjoy sport at all levels."

The Victorian Government’s 2023/24 budget provided up to $3 million towards further upgrades to netball infrastructure at the WSAC.

Planning for this project is underway.

Images: One of the two new multisport courts at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC). Credit: Rural City of Wangaratta Council.