Marvel Stadium to be transformed into basketball court to host Australia v Team USA series
Make way footy stars — the big names in basketball are coming to Melbourne, with a massive basketball court weighing more than a Boeing 737 to descend into Docklands.
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A basketball court weighing more than a Boeing 737-800 will be built over the Marvel Stadium surface and AFL matches moved for a historic series Australia-Team USA series.
Docklands will become a footy free zone in round 23 to make way for a 45,000kg structure that will turn the AFL-owned ground into one of the world’s biggest basketball stadiums.
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Level one seats normally metres from the sidelines will be moved onto the arena and an elevated court built in the middle of the ground for the August showdown between global stars.
One of the key players behind the transformation of the Melbourne landmark jetted into town last week and told the Herald Sun Victoria was set to stage a “spectacular”.
Colonnade Group event development guru Brett Shelton transforms NFL stadiums in the US into giant college basketball venues and said the temporary facility built in Melbourne would be world class.
“I think it’s going to be a great show and knowing how many seats are going to be around it I’m sure it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere,’’ he said.
“It’s a pretty historic thing to be a part of.’’
It will take about 15 people 18 hours to lay an understructure shipped from Alabama for the hardwood floor alone with the court to be built about 3 feet above the playing surface.
Hawthorn’s August 18 clash against Gold Coast will be the last AFL match of the year at Marvel with work transforming the venue to start an hour after the final siren.
A combined crowd of up to 110,000 will then pack the venue for matches on August 22 and 24 where it is hoped the likes of US stars Steph Curry and LeBron James will take on Australia’s best.
“It will be great for the NBA and it will be great for the fans who will have a great view to watch the games from,’’ he said.
Mr Shelton said fans walking into Marvel Stadium in basketball mode would get the same feeling as though they were entering iconic US venues such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park the first time.
“When Team USA comes there is going to be a great anticipation of the competition side of it because there is going to be someone who wins and loses,’’ he said.
“It’s also going to be a great atmosphere because any time you get this many people watching a sporting event it’s pretty amazing.
“It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun and I think this city will be a great host to a great event.’’
More than 90,000 tickets have already been sold to the matches on August 22 and 24.
Marvel Stadium chief executive Michael Green said the venue was excited to host “a momentous event for Australia’s sporting community.’’
“It is a huge compliment to the stadium’s character and amenity,’’ he said.
“We pride ourselves on the stadium’s multi-functionality and adaptability to deliver memorable fan experiences no matter the type of event.”
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