Latrobe Valley locals will be able to enjoy watching some of Australia's best basketball talent in their own backyard, thanks to the continuing partnership between the National Basketball League (NBL)'s South East Melbourne Phoenix, Latrobe City Council and the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the South East Melbourne Phoenix will play a regular season home game at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 NBL seasons.
The first game will see Phoenix face off against the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday, 11 January 2025. The games will mark the fourth and fifth times the Phoenix have played in Traralgon.
The three previous games has sold out crowds, with the most recent bringing basketball fans from across Victoria and generating an estimated economic benefit of almost $650,000 for the local region.
The Labor Government has supported this partnership through the Significant Sporting Events Program, which has secured over 975 events for Victoria since 2010. These events have boosted local businesses, filled hotels, energised shopping strips, and contributed to the growth of local economies.
The Phoenix's first game under the new partnership will be played as works continue at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium. Backed by the Labor Government, works include court refurbishments, a revamped foyer, upgraded broadcasting facilities, new solar panels, and modern upgrades to change rooms.
The upgrades are part of the Gippsland Sports Package, which is creating a new pavilion and upgraded pitches at the Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park, refurbished oval, lighting, amenities, and terraces at the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, and a new shotgun trap shooting range and safety upgrades at Morwell Gun Club.
These projects will help increase sports participation among the Gippsland community and bring more elite sport to regional Victoria, with the benefits flowing to local businesses and communities.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Phoenix have a great track record in Traralgon, crowds really get behind them, and the economic benefits flow into local businesses and communities.
"I encourage basketball fans from across the state to get their tickets and help Phoenix secure another great win at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium."
As stated by South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer
"The club as a whole love our annual pilgrimage to the Latrobe Valley and we look forward to our GRISS fixture each season, so we're really excited."
