The AIS Arena in Canberra has reopened with new seating, lighting and air conditioning following a A$15m (£7.9m/$10m/€9.3m) upgrade.
The venue was closed to major events in 2020 by the Australian Sports Commission due to COVID-19 and turned into a vaccination centre where more than 288,000 inoculations were administered.
Australian Sports Minister Anika Wells visited the arena this week to officially reopen it following the investment made from the country’s government.
“The AIS Arena has hosted many iconic sporting and community events over the past 40 years and now these upgrades mean it can host even more events for everyone to enjoy,” Wells said.
“The new look AIS Arena is able to host a wide range of sporting events catering for able and para sport from the grassroots to elite as well as community events.”
Upgrades include new fixed and retractable seating to accommodate a wide range of sport, music and community events.
Glass viewing platforms for wheelchair users, a hearing loop, and accessible bathrooms have also been installed in addition to new scoreboards and a PA system, and a new floor that can be set up and packed down to accommodate for different sports.
“The AIS Arena is a much-loved venue and we’re grateful to the Australian Government for investing in this facility that will provide more opportunities for Australians to get involved in sport,” said Australia Sports Commission chief executive Kieren Perkins.
“We know sporting events are a great source of pride for many Australians and I look forward to welcoming a host of sport, entertainment and community events to campus.”
The Arena is set to host an array of events this year including the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships Opening Ceremony, Uni Sport National Championships, Skipping Australia National Championships and ICN Body Building World Championships.
Talks are also underway to bring Women’s National Basketball League matches back to the Arena for the 2024-25 season with the UC Capitals.
