Softball and baseball pitch in together in South Australia

A $2 million investment in new facilities will bring softball and baseball together at a new facility in Adelaide's West Beach.

The South Australian Government is to fund the transformation of the Barrett Reserve in the Adelaide Shores precinct to create the new venue - to be known as the SA State Diamond Sports Centre.

South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport Leon Bignell explained that the new venue "will become a major South Australian venue, capable of hosting baseball and softball events at the national league level."

The development will see the existing facility at West Beach transformed with three playing diamonds, an indoor training facility and new and upgraded lighting.

Minister Bignell stated "until now only softball has been played here, but the new facilities will be used for both baseball and softball, giving current and future state and national players year-round indoor and outdoor training facilities."

The Minister added "developing facilities for our sporting clubs benefits the wider community, attracting more players, funding, sponsorship opportunities, spectators and volunteers."

Adelaide Shores Chief Executive Kate Williams welcomed the funding, stating "this announcement assists Adelaide Shores to continue our development of facilities as a key sports and tourism hub.

"The new complex will be complemented by our existing on-site accommodation to provide great opportunities for interstate tournaments and training camps for these sports."

South Australian Baseball League Incorporated President Shayne Bennett continued "the funding allows our sport to continue to build on our grass roots and player development, and work on increasing participation on all levels.

"It will strengthen the relationship between baseball and softball in a positive and progressive way."

Softball SA Incorporated Chairman Steve Trzcinski concluded "this development will bring South Australia up to standard with other states' facilities in both softball and baseball.

"South Australia often punches above its weight in performance on the sporting arena, and this facility will allow us to continue to do so."

Diamond Sports will be centrally located in the Adelaide Shores precinct, close to accommodation, transport, shopping and the beach, at location that its backers hope will make an attractive option for national and international competition for both sports.

For more information go to www.adelaideshores.com.au/

6th August 2012 - $7.2 MILLION FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE

20th August 2010 - WILLIAMS HEADS ADELAIDE SHORES