Geelong indoor sports stadium takes another stride

The Geelong region will receive a huge boost with an indoor sports stadium boasting the ability to host high-level sport beginning to take shape.

The stadium would give Geelong an opportunity to host National Basketball League, Women’s National Basketball League, Super Netball and national championships for both sports.

The plan can now begin to make strides following the provision of $50,000 in funding by the City of Greater Geelong (COGG).

Geelong United Basketball chief executive officer Mark Neeld said the influence of COGG councillors Peter Murrihy and Kylie Gryzbek had been huge in gaining support for the facility.

Neeld also thanked fellow councillors Bruce Harwood and Pat Murnane for their support of the proposal, which has been earmarked for a possible location in Grovedale.

“The facility will be used from grassroots to elite, as well as increase facilities for female participation,” Neeld said.

The ability to have such a stadium in Geelong would be crucial in rivalling other Victorian regional centres, with Ballarat and Bendigo recently receiving significant upgradesr to boast elite indoor facilities.

As well as discussions between COGG and Geelong United Basketball, Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria are also being consulted on the project.

Netball Victoria’s general manager of participation Mel Taylor said the venture had Netball Victoria’s full support and would see Geelong no longer miss out on major event opportunities in this area.

“Netball Victoria is committed to supporting this work and partnering with council and Geelong United Basketball makes sure we get a really good outcome for the Geelong region.

“The Greater Geelong region is currently missing out on opportunities to host major events such as Suncorp Super Netball and NBL and WNBL matches, junior championships or Masters events.

“New indoor facilities are essential in supporting the next generation of netball stars.”