Huge turnout for long-awaited open day

GEELONG’S state-of-the-art basketball training facility was bouncing as it finally welcomed local ballers to its freshly-laid hardwood.

Hoop City Geelong hosted its grand opening last week, inviting hundreds of young hoopers to hone their skills and test out new courts.

Australia and Melbourne United star Chris Goulding, who co-owns the Hoop City franchise, ran junior clinics alongside Geelong Supercats players.

The Streets Barber, a FootLocker truck and Gatorade hydration station and giveaways were also on hand to mark the centre’s beginning.

“It was great to open our doors to the Geelong public and give them a taste of the elite level facility that we offer,” Mr Goulding said.

“The turnout and feedback have been beyond what we expected, and we can’t wait to see even more of the Geelong public down at Hoop City, having fun and raising their game.”

Hoop City had planned its Geelong opening for earlier this year, but construction delays and a burst water main pushed back its opening date.

The Grovedale facility is open for members and casual users for training and skill development and for events such as birthday parties.

The training centre will also boost local club Geelong United through a Hoop City partnership, which will benefit its junior pathways programs, Corio Stingrays youth teams and the Supercats NBL1 sides.

A full-sized FIBA court, 3×3 court, shooting and dribbling bays, alongside a fully-equipped gym and artificial intelligence technology, brings cutting-edge training tools to Geelong.