Cairns prepares for brand new NBL home
A long-time Taipans board member says a new purpose-built pop-up basketball arena to be built in Spence St is “exciting” to keep the NBL club in FNQ to start this season.
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A long-time Taipans board member says a new purpose-built pop-up basketball arena to be built in Spence St is “exciting” to keep the NBL club in FNQ for the start of this season.
Sports Minister Mick de Brenni on Friday afternoon revealed a new plan to build a temporary 2000-seat basketball arena, with the Cairns Convention Centre unavailable until early February, at the old Bunnings Warehouse site.
Despite the club forecasting a dire situation earlier this year if an alternative venue in FNQ was not found, over two days on from the State Government’s Spence St site proposal, the Taipans are yet to publicly acknowledge the offer or let their fans know.
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However, Taipans board member Mike Scott was asked about the situation on ABC Grandstand on Saturday morning, following de Brenni revealing the new arena in the Weekend Post.
“It is exciting times for us that we are able to secure a hometown venue for the season, because it was getting a bit desperate there,” Scott said.
“We will start our season with our home games on Spence St and when the convention centre is ready, we can roll the remaining home games back there.”
The State Government will cover all costs involved.
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The 2020-21 NBL competition is due to start in early December and run through to April.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Mr de Brenni said he was impressed by the pitch from NBL coach of the year Mike Kelly recently, with the respected mentor conveying to the Minister just how important playing in Cairns would be to the club’s current roster and prospective free agents.
The NBL’s free agency period opens on Wednesday, with the community-owned team already having a handful of players under contract already.
The Taipans finally released a statement around the situation on Monday following, following Mr de Brenni’s comments on Friday afternoon.
“The Cairns Taipans welcome the recent news that the Queensland State Government will support the club in their displacement due to the Cairns Convention Centre delays, impacting the upcoming 2020-21 NBL season set to begin in December,” their statement read.
“The Minister has indicated a proposal that will see an alternative venue built at the location of the old Bunnings Warehouse, with the Taipans’ current court at the Convention Centre to be transferred to the site.
“The State Government have committed to providing 2,000 temporary seats, temporary change facilities, public amenities, airconditioning components, large format fans, catering facilities and equipment.
“The temporary venue will also have broadcast lighting and stands, video scoreboards, PA systems and acoustic curtains to ensure it meets minimum FIBA and broadcast standards.
“The club was informed of this outcome late on Friday evening and anticipate receiving further detail on the proposed location and venue from the State Government, to enable a swift approval process and allow construction to commence.
“The Taipans will not make comments in the media until more information and additional detail from the State Government is supplied.
“On behalf of the administration, coaches and playing group – the Taipans would like to thank all of the Orange Army members and basketball fans in the region for their patience and understanding during this extremely challenging and stressful period for the club.
“The front office will continue to share updates as they come and look forward to building the playing roster and planning for Taipans fixtures in the 2020-21 NBL season at home where they belong – in Cairns.”
Originally published as Cairns prepares for brand new NBL home