Boost for Darwin Convention Centre capacity

The NT Government has announced funding for the Darwin Convention Centre to boost its seating capacity to more than 5,500, which could pave the way for a future NBL side.

The waterfront venue which opened in 2008 will be expanded thanks to $19.2 million in the Lawler Labor Government budget.

Currently with a tiered seating capacity of just 1,200, an additional 4,350 seats will be added to boost its capacity to 5,550, while upgrades will also include improved public amenities, audio and visual equipment.

The upgrades hope to allow Darwin to host more major events, including those that have seating requirements beyond the current capacity.

The expansion follows the recent signing a development agreement with Singapore hotel developers CEL to deliver the new 236-bed Darwin Convention Centre Hotel due to open by the end of 2026 as part of the Masterplan to redevelop Darwin’s waterfront.

Darwin is a leading contender for a future NBL expansion side, with the league previously declaring any new club in the Top End would play out of the convention centre on the waterfront.

The Northern Territory held the pre-season NBL Blitz competition in September 2023 prior to NBL24, with matches played at the Darwin Basketball Stadium within the Marrara Sports Precinct.

Chief Minister, Eva Lawler said, “Tourism and major events are key pillars of the Territory's economy - and that's why my Government is backing projects that support growth in these industries.

“We're boosting the capacity of the Darwin Convention Centre because we need the facilities to be able to bring bigger and better events to the Territory- because that means more work opportunities for Territorians.

“The $19.2 million investment into expanding the Darwin Convention Centre will deliver flow on benefits far and wide.”

Renders or timelines for the upgrade have yet to be released.