Join The News in campaigning for new stadium

By Jay Bryce

Nov 28, 2023

Time to get it done: A mix of junior players and coaches, Shepparton Gators senior players and Greater Shepparton Basketball Association representatives stand in solidarity in front of the Shepparton Sports Stadium. Photo by Megan Fisher

The thumping echoes of bouncing basketballs and the cheers of enthusiastic fans reverberate within the ageing walls of the Shepparton Sports Stadium.

It’s a space that has witnessed the rise of young athletes, the triumphs of local teams, and the unbridled joy of a community united by sport.

However, beneath the surface of these victories lies a reality that demands attention — the Shepparton Sports Stadium is no longer sufficient for the growing aspirations of our players and the expanding horizons of our town.

This has been a long-standing concern, dating back to the stadium’s opening in 1972, with its last major upgrade coming more than three decades ago.

The stadium has failed to keep pace with the town’s evolution, and the recent surge in the popularity of basketball in Shepparton has magnified the facility’s inadequacies and renewed calls for an upgrade.

Following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games in July, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said council was committed to addressing this issue and engaging in talks with the Victorian Government about the urgent need for a stadium upgrade.

Long-overdue: The Shepparton Sports Stadium is more than 50 years old. Photo by Megan Fisher

He said Greater Shepparton City Council viewed this as a significant project high on the priority list.

The Shepparton Gators’ Big V grand final in August was a stark reminder of the urgent need for an upgrade.

Capacity issues reached a tipping point, forcing hundreds of passionate fans to be turned away on a night that should have been a celebration of sporting prowess.

Before his team’s championship triumph, Gators director Steve Beks was forced to deliver the disappointing news to families that there was no space for them inside the stadium.

Overflowing: The crowd at the Big V grand final, with fans forced to stand or sit on the floor due to the lack of seats. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Domestically, the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association is experiencing an unprecedented boom in player participation, with record numbers joining local clubs.

However, the inadequate court availability at the Shepparton Sports Stadium is stretching the limits.

Junior grades are being redirected to the Visy Centre (formerly Wanganui High School’s stadium), and scheduling constraints are pushing men’s and women’s games as late as 9.20pm, meaning players are heading home well past 10pm on work nights.

We are at risk of having to turn children away from the sport, with no room for them on the court.

These challenges are all too familiar for those deeply connected to the sport — players, coaches, parents, referees and anyone who has used the stadium this century.

The Shepparton Sports Stadium, once a proud emblem of the town’s sporting spirit, is now a symbol of its limitations.

In a town where progress is the norm and our rich sporting culture is celebrated, the venue stands as an exception, unable to keep pace with the soaring ambitions of our athletes and the swelling pride of our community.

Shepparton deserves a stadium that mirrors the dynamism and enthusiasm of its people, a facility that we can proudly call our own rather than one that leaves us embarrassed by its limitations.

As we embark on this campaign, we aim to explore every possible angle, shedding light on the pressing need for a new and/or improved stadium.

It’s not merely about the game of basketball; it’s about community, progress and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that defines our town.

We invite you to join us in this endeavour, advocating for a facility that will not only meet the demands of today but will also pave the way for the future of sports in Shepparton.

If you want to get involved, reach out to us.

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