Grandstand finally opens as Chargers tip off new season

The Surfcoast Basketball Association have unveiled their brand-new retractable seating structure today, as they launch their Big V Youth League and Senior Championship seasons at Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

After multiple setbacks and delays, the $500k project funded by the federal government was finally opened for use to the community prior to tip off of the Chargers’ Youth League Girls clash with Wallan.

President Leon Sayers expressed his excitement for the new stand that can seat 540 people, that will benefit the club from both a logistical and viewing standpoint.

“We can finally let the community come and support us in numbers,” he said.

“There were quite a few games towards the end of last season where we were struggling to find seats for people, so being able to have the capacity to give the community an opportunity to watch the Chargers play is massive.

“It’s also a better viewing as well, compared to the seating that we’ve currently been using.”

Sayers hoped the structure would add to the game day environment across all age groups and competitions.

“We’ve got to fill them, but if we can have 540 people sitting in the grandstands, the atmosphere in that court one area will be absolutely amazing.

“I’ve had the luxury of going and watching some other games where stadiums have got similar size crowd numbers and the atmosphere is just totally different.

“Having the viewing opportunity for everyone to be able to see the game better, but also having that volume increase with the crowd numbers, the sound will just be amazing.”

With the structure now ready for use, Sayers added that the increased capacity within the stadium will allow for a range of new offerings on the Surf Coast, even outside of basketball.

“It’s going to be pretty big, we’ve got some plans already for later this year that will be announced soon.

“There will be events that we’ll put on that won’t just be basketball games, we were thinking of some other things that we could potentially host there.

“But it’s not just about what the Chargers will be able to do with the seating, the rest of the community is going to be able to use them as well.

“There will be opportunities for some of the other sports that are at the stadium to be able to use them and enhance their offerings.”

The Chargers will enjoy an action-packed afternoon, with their Youth League Girls and Boys opening the day before the Senior Men and Women hit the court to open their season.