Larry Kestelman Unveils 5,000 Seat Stadium In Hobart As Potential Home To 10th NBL Team
A 5,000 seat multi-purpose indoor stadium located in Hobart has been unveiled as the likely home to the National Basketball League’s (NBL) 10th team, as the league looks to expand its footprint across Australia.
NBL Owner and Executive Chairman, Larry Kestelman, is committed to making Basketball the number one sport in the state and his plans to purchase Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC), Tasmania’s largest indoor arena, is apart of his bold vision to make it happen.
It was unveiled as the league prepares to stage its preseason competition, the NBL Blitz, featuring all nine NBL clubs across Tasmania from September 19-22.
Kestelman, who is currently negotiating with Glenorchy City Council to purchase the DEC and says: “This is a reimagining of Wilkinsons Point that will breathe new life into the precinct and have significant economic benefits for Tasmania and promote jobs and tourism.”
“It will host major events including Tasmanian’s NBL team and become a central hub for community recreation and entertainment in Hobart.
“We want to build something everyone can come and use and enjoy.
The NBL enjoyed record attendances and broadcast audiences last season and is now considered the second best basketball league in the world outside of the NBA.
“Tasmania is a great sporting state and deserves to have teams in national sporting leagues such as the NBL.
“We want to build a team Tasmanians can call their own and a legacy for generations to come.
“Basketball is played all over the world and an NBL team in Tasmania will have a global presence.
“The NBL is now broadcast around the world including the US, Europe and Asia and we regularly send NBL teams to play in the NBA pre-season.
“With future NBA stars LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton joining the league this season and the return of superstars such as Andrew Bogut, there has been never been a more exciting time for the NBL and we hope Tasmania will embrace this opportunity starting with the Blitz next week.”
The NBL Blitz will be held across Tasmania including games at Ulverstone, Devonport, Kingston, Launceston and Hobart from September 19-22.
