Upgrade projects begin despite Comm Games scrapping

PROMISED upgrades to Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Showgrounds originally planned as part of the cancelled Regional Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games have finally commenced.

Bendigo Stadium will receive two new multi-purpose courts, courts nine and 10 will be refurbished, with 200 lux lighting to be installed over the outdoor netball courts as well.

Other improvements will include a new backup generator, solar panels, carparking and accessibility improvements.

Upgrades to the Bendigo Showgrounds will include construction of a multipurpose pavilion with an additional event space, alterations to its grass arena, with enhancements also to be made to lighting, entrances and fencing.

Works at the venues are expected to finish in late 2026, well after the Commonwealth Games were due to be held.

News has also emerged that Bendigo Stadium will play host to four NBL games across the next two seasons.

Melbourne United will take on the Cairns Taipans on 7 January and the Brisbane Bullets on 21 January, with two more games to come in the 2027 regular NBL season.

Visiting the Stadium last week, Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson touched on his excitement to return to the region for the games.

“We couldn’t be more proud to be bringing the NBL back to Bendigo through this partnership,” he said.

“Driving tourism to the region is one of the key focuses of this and we’re excited that fans from all over Victoria will be able to travel to Bendigo.

“This partnership also provides us with a great opportunity to engage with the community through basketball programs across both this season and next.”

Premier Jacinta Allan expects the games will attract thousands of fans to Bendigo.

She briefly commented that the improvements to the showgrounds and stadium will “ensure the community and sports clubs have world class facilities close to home.”