Hoops

Long-term plans to have 18,000 seat stadium in Adelaide CBD

Approval and backing for the "Powerhouse/AA, etc" came from the Government when they needed an additional venue for their failed 1998 Commonwealth games bid. Everyone but the SA Bid Team knew the games were going to Malaysia but the SA Team were under the belief that the best bid would win, despite politics and backroom deals. They were, of course, wrong but we did get a new Basketball Stadium but with prohibitive usage restrictions that ultimately led to financial doom for BSA.

The article a few days ago about the mooted new multi sport venue at Memorial Drive also contained mention of a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth games. With an 8 year bid lead time, a venue would have to be planned and construction started around 2020 to be included in the bid. A City location would be great for spectators and the AA will be heading up to 30 years old by then so a new stadium may be necessary anyway.

I do recall playing at the original 1950s Forestville and then at Apollo in the first year or two - likewise it will be a brilliant and necessary step forward for both players and spectators.

Would be good; if you can get your current crowds while stuck in the boondocks, you could challenge Perth's crowds if you get into the CBD and properly on the public transport grid.

In the long run it is probably the way to go, but its not happening anytime soon due to lack of money for the State government.

The only thing that I worry about is having to watch basketball in a multipurpose stadium. The AA is such a great design for basketball with plenty of seating nice and close to the court.

Tennis is generally a different story though, with crowds sitting further back and above the action behind large walls.

Hopefully when we do finally get a CBD venue for the Sixers, the designers won't short-change basketball fans.

Memorial Drive is the obvious choice. Upgrade that to an indoor area and next to an upgraded Adelaide Oval means a one stop shop for indoor/outdoor sport and events.

Santos stadium and Adelaide Arena become redundant for NBL and Netball. With regards to AA, church basketball and Scouts own it. I'm sure they would put it to good use.

The only problem is $$$. Where's the State Government going to get it from?

With the new RAH meaning us SA Taxpayers now pay $1M/day in interest alone, a $150M redevelopment soon blows out to be a $250M redevelopment. That's a lot of extra speeding fines SAPOL will need to collect just to cover the interest let alone repayments. The motorcycle cops will probably see their quotas lifted from 120/month to 200/month (min)!

My only issue would be if you don't pull most of the seats available how will the atmosphere feel with only 4k people in an 18k stadium. Also would feel sorry for the Scouts who put their cash up for the powerhouse.

Hmmm, I wonder what will happen to the dome in that case. Is it doomed or maybe the owners have a fire sale to unload it before it is not needed by the current tenants.
And would the 6ers benefit like the afl clubs instead of hiring the dome?
And how long before Forestville move in and make it their home base ;)