The ACT Government is delivering on our election commitment to expand the Belconnen Basketball Stadium, boosting court capacity and access for training and competition through a major upgrade.
The redevelopment will increase the number of indoor courts from four to seven, including a convertible show court – marking a significant investment in Canberra's basketball community.
The centrepiece of the upgrade will be the convertible show court with retractable seating for up to 1,800 spectators and enabling Canberra to host higher-level competitions.
Additional change rooms and toilet facilities for players, officials, and spectators, increased car parking and installation of solar panels and batteries will also be key features of the expansion.
Basketball is one of Canberra's most popular and fastest-growing sports with more than 14,000 registered participants across the Territory.
However, the surge in interest has made it challenging for social and competitive teams to find courts for games and training.
The right infrastructure is essential to develop the next great local talent to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Patty Mills and Lauren Jackson. The expanded facility will also create more opportunities for people to stay active.
Planning work on the Belconnen Basketball Stadium redevelopment will continue in the second half of this year, with construction timelines to be confirmed as the project progresses through planning and procurement.
The 2026-27 ACT Budget will invest $37.5 million in the project.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Chris Steel:
"This investment in the Belconnen Basketball Stadium is part of the Government's investment improving recreational facilities across Canberra.
"We know that basketball has been incredibly popular, with Canberrans of all ages taking to the court in huge numbers throughout the year.
"Through this major expansion, we will see a 75 per cent increase in the number of courts, allowing greater access for current players as well as encouraging more people to take up the sport.
"The new show court will also give Canberra the opportunity to host major tournaments and bring visitors to Canberra."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry:
"This investment in the Budget delivers on our election commitment to expand the Belconnen Basketball Stadium and support the continued growth of this great game.
"By building more courts and improving the facilities at Belconnen, I am hopeful that more Canberrans will lace up their sneakers to play, either competitively or for recreation.
"The Belconnen Basketball Stadium is such an iconic fixture in our community, and these upgrades will ensure it continues to serve players, families and fans for generations to come, supporting the continued growth of basketball across the ACT."
Quotes attributable to Basketball ACT Chief Executive Officer, Nicole Bowles:
"It has been a long-term ambition for Basketball ACT to develop and extend the site at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium. This announcement from the ACT Government is truly game changing and will help address the ongoing demand of basketball in the ACT.
"I would like to acknowledge the contribution and work of many from the basketball community who have advocated, supported, and developed facility and business models for investment into increasing the footprint at Belconnen.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide a modern home for the ACT basketball community where we can continue to grow. Our success as a sport and community relies on facilities and sets up for future success."
