THE Millicent basketball stadium is set to have its own $250,000 social hub and function room at the centre of its complex to allow spectators to watch games on all three courts from one location.
Stadium Manager Peter Seebohm said the stadium committee has been working on the project for about five years.
“It’s been in our overall plan to keep renovating the stadium to make sure we keep it up to date,” Mr Seebohm said.
He said the development will allow spectators to gather and view games on all courts.
Currently, the two rear courts and a main court are separated, and it is not possible to view all games being played from a central location.
“It will totally change the way the basketball public will behave in Millicent,” Mr Seebohm said.
“We have a great culture for kids and competitions…but we just haven’t got the social side.
“It will be an enclosed viewing area with a fully glassed front to the main court with viewing windows to the rear courts.”
He said spectators will be able to view all courts in air-conditioned comfort with bar, kitchen and toilet amenities.
“We get a lot of families from Robe and Penola and it’s really hard, the way the stadium is laid out, to try and get those people to become part of the basketball community,” Mr Seebohm said.
“We want to embrace those people and keep them involved.”
Mr Seebohm said the new development will also help the financial viability of the stadium as it could be used for public functions.
He said the estimated $250,000 project has been made possible because of successful funding applications to federal and local governments, and construction will start within six months.
The Federal Government is contributing $211,000 and the Wattle Range Council $40,000 towards the project.
Mr Seebohm praised the Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin for his assistance and also acknowledged the work of the basketball committee led by President Darren Fuller.
A second stage of the project, which will include a three-tiered grandstand and platform above the new central viewing area, is hoped to be funded through a state government grant.
