New home: The State Basketball Centre at Wantirna South hosted its first test event last Saturday night. Picture: Sam Stiglec
SOUTH East Australian Basketball League players gave the tick of approval to the new State Basketball Centre at Wantirna South, after playing in the first test event last Saturday night.
The 3200-seat SBC hosted a SEABL double-header between Knox Raiders and Brisbane Spartans as their men's and women's teams took the court.
While the court, stands and toilets were ready for use, the venue is still being completed with last-minute faults being repaired as shown by the far-end scoreboard not working on the night.
The Raiders, who will be the first tenant club at the venue, won both matches and players and coaches from both sides praised the on-court facilities.
An estimated 1500 people came to the game with the majority impressed with the seating and atmosphere.
Raiders women's coach Cheryl Chambers said the noise created inside the stadium made for an excellent home court advantage.
"The noise on the court is really loud; it created a great atmosphere," she said.
Raiders captain Sean Carroll gave a glowing review to the court. "It's fantastic. It was important for us to get a win in our first game at the stadium. The venue has a real international quality feel to it."
The State Basketball Centre will officially open on June 25 when Australia's men's team, the Boomers, plays Greece.
Tickets for the game are still available.
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