NBL CEO David Stevenson on MyState Bank Arena expansion

The NBL’s new chief executive was in Hobart on Friday and gave an update on the expansion plans for MyState Bank Arena.

NBL chief David Stevenson believes the future expansion of MyState Bank Arena needs to cater for both local and interstate fans with demand still at a premium to see the Tasmania JackJumpers live.

JackJumpers CEO Jorrick Chivers with the new NBL CEO, David Stevenson at the Tasmania JackJumpers headquarters. Picture: Linda Higginson

The league’s new boss visited the state on Friday and said that the appetite shown by Tasmanians in the JackJumpers first two seasons in the league was a key reason expansion of their home arena was required.

But he also believes the opportunity to attract opposition fans and create tourism dollars for the state is the reason why the venue required a far bigger upgrade than the initial 1,000–2,000 seats estimate.

“I think if there was to be expansion of MyState Bank Arena then it has to be a lot more than 1,000 seats,” Stevenson said.

“We already have over 1,500 people on the waiting list for memberships but for me the biggest opportunity for growth at MyState Bank Arena really comes from tourism.

“We think the tourism opportunity is sizeable so therefore it needs to be a lot more. We think somewhere in that 7,000 to 9,000 (maximum capacity) zone will give us a great mix of catering to that domestic demand but also to create tourism opportunities for the state of Tasmania.”

According to the MyState Bank Arena arena website, the venue currently holds 5,500 patrons fully seated but this dips to 4,300 for basketball and netball games.

Stevenson added that while the league is focused on expanding MyState, they weren’t locked into a set time frame.

With the success of the JackJumpers creating a flow on affect to junior participation, an unprecedented demand for local courts is also one of the big issues facing the state with the former GM of operations at the AFL well aware they also need to factor that into any and all conversations.

“We are very respectful of the fact that governments have a lot of mouths to feed,” he said.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 16: Fans celebrate during game two of the NBL Semi Final series between Tasmania Jackjumpers and New Zealand Breakers at MyState Bank Arena, on February 16, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“So yes, we want to expand MyState Bank Arena but not at the expense of everybody else. We know that there is community participation that is growing phenomenally and we want courts available for them. We know that there is always the health care system and public housing (to look after) so we are very respectful of working with the government so they can do both.

“We are certainly not jumping the queue and we know that community participation is absolutely vital to the success of the sport in Tasmania.”