Grandstand finally opens as Chargers tip off new season

The Surfcoast Basketball Association (SBA) unveiled its new retractable grandstand at Wurdi Baierr Stadium on Saturday, bringing a long-awaited upgrade into play.

It comes as the Chargers launch its Big V youth league and senior championship seasons.

The 540-seat structure, backed by $500,000 in federal government funding, arrives after a series of setbacks delayed its use throughout the 2025 season.

 

Construction was initially completed last year, but the seating could not be used after aisle widths were found to be non-compliant with Australian Standards, requiring a redesign that reduced capacity and introduced additional safety measures, including emergency lighting.

Further delays followed due to supply constraints, with the specialised lighting needing to be ordered, leaving the structure sidelined for key events including the Big V finals and junior presentations.

Now fully compliant and cleared for use, the grandstand was opened to the community ahead of the Chargers’ youth league girls’ clash with Wallan.

SBA president Leon Sayers said the addition would immediately transform both the logistics and atmosphere of game day.

“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 much better viewing as well, compared to the seat that we’ve currently ben using.”

Sayers said the increased capacity had the potential to significantly lift the environment inside the stadium.

“We’ve got to fill [the seats], but if we can have 540 people sitting in the grandstands, the atmosphere in court one area will be absolutely amazing,” he said.

“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.”

 

Beyond basketball, the retractable design is expected to broaden the venue’s use across the Surf Coast, allowing for greater flexibility in hosting events and accommodating other sports.

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

“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.”

The Chargers will open their 2026 campaign with youth league girls and boys matches, before the senior women and men take to the court later in the day.