The Association will utilise the Veolia Arena as well as the existing Goulburn Basketball Stadium when they begin on February 5.

Association president Michael Weekes said they’re hoping to be able to run both the men’s and women’s senior games on Tuesday nights.

“We’re planning on using the whole lot,” Mr Weekes said. “We’re hoping to play the men’s seniors and the ladies’ seniors on a Tuesday night, using both stadiums there, and on Wednesdays play some of the older juniors on the new court. This way they can get home at a reasonable hour.”

Mr Weekes explained in previous years, fitting in numerous matches at the Basketball Stadium saw many players and parents finishing late into the night.

“Last year we’d be there until 9pm. We only want to be out there till at least half past seven. We don’t want to be there too late, people have families to go home to.”

Veolia Venue Manager Mike Brady said the Association using the Arena for their social competition finals towards the end of last year all but justified the need for a healthy relationship between the Association and the Arena.

“Well I’m delighted, for a better word, delighted,” Brady told the Post in regards to the upcoming basketball season.

“I believe it (the finals games played at the Veolia) was well received by the participants and I’m looking forward to them using their full season in here because we are side by side. It’s ideal for them to spread their scheduled games across both facilities and it allows for instead of playing over three or four nights that they can play over two or three nights.

“It’s a bit of a win, win for everyone.”

Mr Weekes noted the improved ventilation at the Veolia as part of the reason feedback was positive from players.

“The people who played on it late last year I think are looking forward to playing on them again this year,” he said.

“There is an increased cost, but that’s something which we’ll adapt to.

“In the long run it will be worth it. The seniors fee might only go up by a dollar.

“But the association will be covering a lot of the others, court fees and what not.”

Registrations

Registrations for teams or individuals will be held on the following nights:

Wed and Thurs Jan 28 and 29

Tues and Wed Feb 2 and 3.

Nominations will be open from 6-730pm on each of the nights at the Goulburn Basketball Stadium on Braidwood Road.