New South Australian State Basketball Centre opened in Adelaide

The $17.2 million South Australian State Basketball Centre (SBC) development in Adelaide has been completed with the seven-court facility now able to cater for community through to high-performance and elite basketball.

Part of the existing Wayville Sports Centre at the Adelaide Showground, the ‘new home for basketball’ includes an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Level 1 rated show court.

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.

It also features a sensory room for people affected by noises, smells, lights and crowds.

Speaking at the opening of the facility earlier today, South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard advised “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.

“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.”

While the Centre will primarily be a sporting venue it will also be used by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (RA&HS) during the Royal Adelaide Show.

Welcoming the facility, Basketball South Australia Commission Chair, Wade Burns stated “the 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.”

RA&HS Chief Executive, William Rayner added “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.”

The South Australia Government contributed $15.8 million to the project along with $1,135,500 from Basketball SA and $294,400 from the RA&HS.

Click here for more information about the State Basketball Centre development.

Images show the interior and exterior of the new facility. Credit: Sarah Reed/Basketball SA.