Charlotte Varcoe
AFTER calling the Icehouse home for 34 seasons, the Mount Gambier Pioneers remain committed to transferring their games to the city’s up-and-coming sporting centre.
The $57.5m Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will be the new home for the basketball giants with president of the club Tom Kosch remaining firm on the transfer.
Mr Kosch said the club was excited to be transferred to the newer facility and players were happy for the opportunity to play in front of 1500 spectators.
It comes following a question presented to Mount Gambier City Council during this month’s meeting by Cr Paul Jenner.
Cr Jenner questioned whether there was an expected signed guarantee between council and sporting associations to use the facility.
He also questioned costs associated directly with sporting associations and costs for the community to enter the facility.
Council’s chief executive officer Sarah Philpott said discussions regarding the costs for the centre would come to fruition once an agreement had been made with the centre’s operator.
Mr Kosch said despite the controversy regarding the hub, the Pioneers would remain at the newly developed centre and hoped it would also entice state-wide teams for pre-season.
“The Pioneers hold an important position in our region in regards to basketball and we are hoping to work with whichever party operates the centre,” Mr Kosch said.
“We are also happy to negotiate the leasing of the facility for when we need it as ideally we would use it for team training, individual training and home games.
“We would also love to have some Friday and Saturday night games throughout the coming season.”
He said in regards to revenue, the club would also be willing to work with whatever revenue streams would become available.
“Ticketing is important to us as it is the lifeblood of our basketball club as well as sponsorship,” he said.
“We do need to be able to maintain our revenue streams as best as we can and although we don’t have any concerns around sponsorship I do think the opportunity of playing at the centre will be a positive step forward.”
Mr Kosch said the club was also hoping to know about pricing sooner rather than later to allow for future plans to be put in place.
“We are also willing to work with whoever we need to so we can understand the costs associated with the facility,” he said.
“Playing at the centre will provide better access for people because of its location and the extra seating will allow us to provide cheaper ticketing and allow those who usually wouldn’t be able to come to do so.”
Despite the eagerness, council has not yet disclosed any further information regarding the opening of the centre nor the entry prices due to discussions remaining in place with a potential operator.
