Darwin Stadium to receive new grandstand to support growing Salties fanbase

Darwin Basketball Association will deliver Salties fans a massive win with much-needed works on stadium seating.

SALTIES fans who battled for seats throughout the home and away season will now be spoiled for choice with a new 334-seat grandstand set to hit the Croc Pot.

In their inaugural season the Darwin Salties recorded the highest attendance across all 70 NBL1 Clubs in Australia with tickets selling out consistently.

A $100,000 portable grandstand will be installed between courts 1 and 2 to increase Darwin Stadium’s crowd capacity from just over 900 to more than 1300 people.

The Darwin Basketball Association is one of 52 organisations across the NT which received funding as part of the Territory Governments $4.9m Community Benefit Fund.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the $100,000 grant will mean more Salties snaps come next season.

“The Salties have been the most viewed team and we have had great home crowds each match,” she said.

“Territory kids are seeing what is possible and are now striving to one day be a Saltie.”

It comes as the Salties prepare to take on USC Rip City Saturday night in what is their first finals campaign.

The Salties fell just short of the win last time they faced the Queensland side (89-84), but coach Matt Flinn said the team has made adjustments ahead of the quarter-final.

“They are a talented team. No question about that,” he said.

“At this level it is always good to have a look at someone first then try to make adjustments for game two.

“I think there is plenty over evidence with this group that we can do that. We were able to do it against Mackay.”

Darwin Salties at home against Ipswich Force. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

Captain Jerron Jamerson said it is the team’s mindset that will make or break the game this weekend.

“We just got to stick to what we do. We have to stay level headed,” he said

“My goal is to come home with a Championship.

“Weather that happens or not we will have to wait and see. But it will always be what we strive for.”

Sport Minister Kate Worden congratulated the Salties on their “massive achievement” after the team finished sixth in the NBL1 North Conference.

“The Salties are the highest Territory team in any sport in the nation,” she said.

“The women’s team has also had a great first season and we are all so proud.

“Go Salties – the Territory is behind you.”