The Coast must build indoor sports stadium in race to get national basketball team

The Gold Coast will get an indoor entertainment and sports stadium but it must be built soon if the city is to secure an NBL licence. Read why

The Gold Coast will get an indoor entertainment and sports stadium — but in a deal breaker it must be built soon if the city is to secure an NBL licence, according to City sources.

The Bulletin has been told the stadium will go ahead regardless of the basketball deal.

But council officers, in a special report, say the Gold Coast must have the stadium or risk missing out on the major entertainment from its own NBL stars and team or expanding its $8 billion visitor economy.

Council insiders suggest NBL heavyweights agreed the Gold Coast team can first play out of the Carrara Indoor Centre or Convention Centre at Broadbeach.

But the deal breaker is those options are stopgap measures - and must only be for two seasons before getting a permanent home at a new stadium capable of housing 10,000 fans inside.

Mayor Tom Tate declined to divulge a time line but confirmed some of the details.

“It’s absolutely right. I spoke to the NBL. For them to have a long term team, we can’t do it out of Carrara,” he said.

The proposed Gold Coast Indoor Entertainment and Sports Arena. These are examples of the type of stadium wanted by the City.

“A long term team means a stadium full of 10,000 people. That would make it a very viable team, a profitable team. And with a profitable team, you are able to get the best players.

“If we have the best players we have a good chance of being in the top four to win the championship. If you are not in it to win it, then what are we talking about.”

Mr Tate admitted the key to new arena’s success would be mixing not just sports like basketball, netball and boxing but including new technology.

“To make it value for money, it has to be a very multi-task arena. Entertainment needs to be there. I’d like to see Jimmy Barnes in there or Pink comes back, Tina Arena. All those people more than happy to have 10,000 to 12,000 people in their concert,” he said

The Gold Coast Indoor and Entertainment Stadium. The City is planning a development similar to RAC Arena in Perth.

Mr Tate said a third tier would involve e-sport where Gold Coast digital product would be placed inside the stadium providing promotion about the city.

He predicts it will be a hit with teenager who would say “Hey, I’ve got to see (the place) for real”.

“I’m going to have a look at what Paris (at the Olympics) is doing. I’ll be catching up with some people with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics who are heavy into e-sport and see what they are doing, and get as much intellectual property as we an to add into our arena,” he said.

Asked if the NBL deal was two years out, he replied: “I think that part of it in any negotiation, it takes a bit of work.”

The NBL after another record-breaking season and arguably the greatest grand final series in history, in April talked up expanding the competition.

CEO David Stevenson said Australia’s domestic basketball competition has bold plans to become bigger and better after the success of its most recent addition the Tasmanian JackJumpers. The Gold Coast is touted as a front runner for a new team.

Gold Coast Indoor Entertainment and Sports Arena. An example of the style of stadium sought by the City.

Mr Tate supported the Gold Coast push for another national sporting team but said the deal for Tasmania to secure the JackJumpers was easier because “there is nothing else to do” there.

“Gold Coast a bit different. We have the AFL, the Titans, ladies netball and then you’ve got the golf courses, the beach the hinterland nature tourism - we are the capital of domestic visitation for Australians of any other city. We are a powerhouse when it comes to an events city,” he said.

“To add a national team into that mix it gives the opportunity that it will work. People if they are a tourist, they will go and watch a Gold Coast team - it’s entertainment.”

The council would help with a “contribution” but given it was ratepayer money, that would be regarded as an investment. “I want a return on it,” Mr Tate said.

He estimated the Harry Styles concert produced “32 times the investment”.

The Gold Coast Indoor Entertainment and Sports Arena. The benefits and plans.

An updated report on the boutique indoor stadium provides these details:

* the Coast needs a mid-sized indoor venue for live music, sports and entertainment to cater for 8000 to 12,000 patrons, filling a gap which sees fans going to Brisbane.

* A site assessment process had been completed - CEO Tim Baker looked at four.

* The preferred area has not been disclosed but Southport was the favoured location due to connection to light rail and being within 10 minutes to Surfers Paradise accommodation. Carey Park is considered ideal.

* The city which has a visitor economy generating $8 billion unlike other major destinations lacked an indoor arena which “puts it at a disadvantage in attracting major events and hinders its potential as a cultural hub”.

*The venue would have a “horseshoe seating arrangement” and a wraparound concourse level.

VIP and corporate suites would be accommodated underneath fixed seating paired with dedicated seating. Perth’s RAC stadium is promoted as a best case example.

* The proposal has attracted “strong interest” from the market. The market tender process which began on July 10 will be completed on August 22.

* Council has yet to make any capital outlay. The financials of a future deal remain unknown.

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