Adelaide 36ers on the move to new home venue

The Adelaide 36ers will play their NBL home games at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as of the 2019/20 season, moving from their home of 27 years - Titanium Security Arena.

The move to the larger and more centrally-located venue continues the growth of the NBL, which saw record crowds during the recent season. The 36ers have played at the current home, formerly known as Adelaide Arena and the Powerhouse, since 1992.

The Adelaide Entertainment Centre will have a capacity of 10,000 in basketball mode, allowing 2,000 additional fans to attend matches in a location that is easily accessible by public transport.

Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley has seen first-hand the effect larger venues have on the evolution and growth of NBL clubs in other cities, having attended every NBL venue over the last two years.

“In an elite sport like basketball, big home crowds help to win games. We want to deliver what other clubs are doing interstate and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is the ideal home for the Adelaide 36ers to continue to evolve and grow as a club, for both our fans and players” Kelley said.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger congratulated the 36ers on their move to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, commenting “the NBL has enjoyed record attendances this season off the back of huge crowds in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The move to Adelaide Entertainment Centre will enable the 36ers to grow their attendances at games by providing first class facilities within close proximity of the city.

“The move reinforces the strong growth of the NBL and our position of one of Australia’s leading sports entertainment products and we look forward to seeing fans embrace the new venue.”

The Perth Wildcats’ set a benchmark for the NBL with their move to the brand new RAC Arena in 2012, triggering a membership growth of almost 2,700 new members in two years and averaging recent home crowds of 13,061.

The Sixers have also drawn from the success of Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide’s move to Adelaide Oval, a move which Adelaide 36ers Chairman, Steven Trigg, said has dramatically changed Adelaide sport-goers’ expectations.

“The upgraded Adelaide Oval has changed the expectations of the Adelaide sport-going public. They now expect first-class facilities, convenient locations and ease of access,” Trigg said.

“We have been working closely with the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and we are excited for the new experience. The sightlines, the cushioned seats and fans seated in and around the court, will make the atmosphere electric for our members, fans and players,” he said.

Amidst the exciting news, Adelaide 36ers CEO Ben Kavenagh acknowledged the exceptional support from Titanium Security Arena during the last 27 years.

“Titanium Security Arena will always hold great memories for the Adelaide 36ers and I would like to thank the stadium’s management for providing a great home for the Sixers for so many years,” Kavenagh said.

“Our club has enjoyed great success at the arena, including three championships, Titanium Security Arena will always hold great memories for the Sixers.”

Titanium Security Arena will remain the Adelaide 36ers’ administration and training base, as well as play host to at least one practice match a year.