5,000 seat Hobart arena unveiled as potential home for 10th NBL team

September 16, 2019

Sport / Venues /

With the NBL looking to expand its footprint across Australia, a 5,000 seat multi-purpose indoor stadium located in Hobart has been unveiled as the likely home for the League’s 10th team.

Committed to expanding basketball in Tasmania, NBL owner and Executive Chairman, Larry Kestelman is currently moving forward with plans to purchase Derwent Entertainment Centre as base for the planned team.

Unveiling his vision for the game, Kestelman, who is currently negotiating with Glenorchy City Council to purchase the venue, stated “this is a reimagining of Wilkinsons Point that will breathe new life into the precinct and have significant economic benefits for Tasmania and promote jobs and tourism.

“It will host major events including Tasmanian’s NBL team and become a central hub for community recreation and entertainment in Hobart.

“We want to build something everyone can come and use and enjoy."

The NBL enjoyed record attendances and broadcast audiences last season and is considered by some the second best basketball league in the world outside of the NBA.

Kestelman's plans for a new sport and community precinct at Wilkinsons Point could also incorporate a 4.5 star hotel, retail and hospitality buildings and a community recreation centre.

Kestelman added “Tasmania is a great sporting state and deserves to have teams in national sporting leagues such as the NBL.

“We want to build a team Tasmanians can call their own and a legacy for generations to come.

“Basketball is played all over the world and an NBL team in Tasmania will have a global presence.

“The NBL is now broadcast around the world including the US, Europe and Asia and we regularly send NBL teams to play in the NBA pre-season.

“With future NBA stars LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton joining the league this season and the return of superstars such as Andrew Bogut, there has been never been a more exciting time for the NBL and we hope Tasmania will embrace this opportunity starting with the Blitz next week.”

Kestelman spoke as the League prepares to stage its preseason competition, the NBL Blitz, featuring all nine NBL clubs across Tasmania from 19th to 22nd September.

Images: The Derwent Entertainment Centre (top) and Larry Kestelman (below).

27th August 2019 - NBL’s Jeremy Loeliger moves from Chief Executive to Commissioner’s role

26th August 2019 - Tasmanian Government taskforce calls for AFL licence and new stadium

16th August 2019 - Larry Kestelman to head new NBL Tasmania Advisory Board

12th July 2019 - NBL announces pre-season Tasmanian tournament to test 10th NBL franchise potential

11th July 2019 - Former NBA stars purchase ownership stake in South East Melbourne Phoenix

27th June 2019 - Derwent Entertainment Centre needs significant upgrading to host Tasmanian NBL team

25th June 2019 - NBL owner gets exclusive negotiation period for Derwent Entertainment Centre acquisition

13th May 2019 - Basketball Australia and NBL agree landmark partnership

20th March 2019 - TSE assume full control of the NBL’s Sydney Kings

7th March 2019 - Sydney Kings smash attendance records in 2018/19 NBL season

20th February 2019 - NBL breaks crowd records through 2018/19 season

23rd August 2018 - Tasmanian NBL consortium unhappy with $18 million Derwent Entertainment Centre valuation

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