THE Mount Gambier Pioneers Basketball Club has officially confirmed the club’s new home court will be at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
The state-of-the-art sporting and conference facility will replace the iconic Icehouse as the Pioneers’ home in an historic move for the club.
Mount Gambier Pioneers president Tom Kosch can not wait for tip off at the new venue, which will come on April 14 against the Casey Cavaliers in Round 2 of the 2023 NBL1 season.
He reflected on the rich history of the club’s original venue.
“The Icehouse has been the Pioneers’ home for 34 seasons,” Kosch said.
“We thank Basketball Mount Gambier, who have been supportive and helped build the fortress that the Icehouse has been for us since the club’s inception in 1989.”
However, the prospect of change and the opportunities it presents is an exciting one.
“Our basketball club, members and fans are hugely excited for the move to Wulunda Recreation and Convention Centre in the 2023 season and the future opportunities the new venue provides,” Kosch said.
“Wulanda provides the Pioneers the opportunity to grow our fan base and further expand our corporate support.”
The facility opens the opportunity for huge crowds, which is sure to boost the already iconic Pioneers home-game experience.
“Being able to open the doors and welcome up to 1500 people to cheer on our OneFortyOne and Castec Rural Pioneers in April will be hugely exciting for all within our club, as well as provide a whole new game-night experience for the community,” Kosch said.
“The Pioneers Basketball Club board congratulates the City of Mount Gambier and State and Federal Governments on delivering a wonderful facility that our community can call their own and be truly proud of.”
NBL1 South league manager Alison Cody is also enthusiastic about the Pioneers’ new home, following her recent visit to Mount Gambier and inspection of Wulanda.
“I’m really excited to see the Pioneers playing out of the new Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre,” she said.
“The facility is something else and a credit to all of those involved in bringing it to light in time for our 2023 season.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available now, while membership and season ticketing information will be distributed soon, which presents the chance to gain priority access to seating for season 2023.
