NBL

What next? The Rockets back to back Queensland basketball champions, a three peat is the obvious response to what’s next; can we set our sights higher? Is a Rockhampton team in the National Basketball League probable? The venue would be a hurdle; I suspect regular patronage of 3000-4000 for home games would be required to contribute to the viability of a NBL team (or patrons paying around a $150 a seat).  To my knowledge no such suitable venue exists in Rockhampton, including the proposed CQ Stadium and Convention Centre. This is not a call for another stadium, but putting together a plan for Rockhampton to have a NBL team. Hegvold is our House was a catch cry during the finals and those who have been to a game know what atmosphere develops within its confines. While it would appear impossible with the existing structure to increase its capacity to 4000, by extending out the southern wall perhaps an extra 300-400 seats could be added. Now we have a stadium capable of seating around 1200 people on the riverbank. Instead of just basketball make it multipurpose. Upgrade the seating and acoustics so the venue is suitable for holding conventions, mini expo’s as well as more music acts.  Noting Timomatic, Busby Marou and Shortfall have already performed there. How does this help get a NBL team? Rockhampton Basketball has good infrastructure in place, plus space to expand on the river side. Government assistance of several hundred thousand dollars could see Rockhampton getting a 1200 seat riverfront stadium/convention centre within months. Along with the benefits the city indirectly derives from this facility Rockhampton Basketball gains additional revenue opportunities. Money it can use to continually develop the stadium to get NBL prepared. Doing this saves the costs of a Rockhampton NBL team playing at another undercover multi sport stadium (should one be built) and maintain control of sponsorships; important for the ongoing financing of the team. It’s a long term project, but with a goal of a Rockhampton NBL team be it men’s, women’s or both and Government assistance of several hundred thousand dollars to start upgrading Hegvold Stadium it gives extra incentive for players, volunteers and supporters to continue pushing for more basketball success.