Bendigo Basketball Stadium named as potential host of Commonwealth Games

Bendigo’s basketball stadium would be the ideal host of the Commonwealth Games as the facility’s boss explains how it could work.

After regional Victoria’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games was announced last week, Bendigo stadium’s CEO said his facility would be the ideal venue to host the basketball and netball.

The stadium was redeveloped in 2019 mentioned in the State Government’s press conference last week as a potential venue.

“It would be great for the Bendigo Stadium and for Bendigo, and it would be a real plus for the economy,” basketball CEO Dennis Boss said.

The stadium, which can seat 4000, hosts local basketball, netball, badminton and boxing competitions.

“Obviously it would make most sense for the basketball to be held here.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Angela Metcalf said she was excited about the proposal.

“While we have little detail at this time, the City of Greater Bendigo supports the proposed model of hosting the Games in different regional cities, therefore sharing the many economic benefits that come with an opportunity like this,” she said.

“We look forward to being part of future conversations.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews mentioned Bendigo during the press conference on Wednesday last week.

“Our vision is for this to be a predominantly regional Victorian event,” he said.

“It’s about taking this amazing competition across many, many different sports into regional cities and towns.”

Ballarat, Geelong and the Latrobe Valley have all been named as part of the proposal.