HIGHBALL INDOOR SPORTS STADIUM – DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

THE NEED

A indoor sports stadium is the crucial ‘missing link’ in Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Sports Precinct – which already boasts an MCG-size AFL oval, synthetic FIFA-grade soccer pitch, an eight-lane IAAF-accredited 400-metre athletics track, a 50-metre long-jump track and sandpits and a new high-quality baseball diamond.

The indoor stadium would provide dedicated teaching and research space to embed Deakin’s Women in Sport and Exercise (WISE) hub. WISE is leading world-class research to improve women’s participation in sport and exercise across their lifespan, and by strengthening relationships with communities and partners.

Deakin is a major and committed player in advancing sports research, innovation and participation, particularly in women’s sport.

The university has a global reputation for excellence in the field of sports and exercise science, having been rated Australia’s number one sports science school for the past three years, and third in the world.

Deakin already has strong strategic ties with the Melbourne Boomers in the Women’s National Basketball League, Netball Australia and Geelong’s AFL and AFLW sides.

THE PROJECT

The $57 million project would feature four compliant indoor courts with modern change rooms and the flexibility to configure the stadium as a single showcourt with retractable seating for 2000 people and with international-standard broadcast facilities.

The highball indoor sports stadium would be the first of its type in the region and would be expected to attract national and international competitions.

Subject to the availability of funding, Deakin would like to begin construction in 2020, with completion in 2024.

WHAT IS REQUIRED

State or federal government funding to enable the $57 million project to become reality.