SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
THE HON ANIKA WELLS MP
MINISTER FOR AGED CARE
MINSITER FOR SPORT
NEW LOOK AIS ARENA TO REOPEN FOR CANBERRA COMMUNITY
The AIS Arena is set to reopen following a $15 million investment from the Albanese Government.
Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher and Minister for Sport Anika Wells have unveiled the new look AIS Arena in Canberra.
The multi-purpose venue, which has been closed since early 2020, will shortly reopen to the public.
The much-loved Canberra venue will showcase some of the nation’s best sport and entertainment in the coming months and continue the rich tradition of the AIS Arena being an important part of the ACT community.
A range of events are already on the AIS Arena’s schedule for the second half of 2024, including:
- Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Champions Opening Ceremony – August
- Uni Sport National Championships – September
- Skipping Australia National Championships – September
- ICN Body Building World Championships – November
The Australian Sports Commission, who will operate the venue, continues to work closely with the UC Capitals with the aim of bringing WNBL games back to the AIS Arena for the 2024/25 season.
The refurbishments have seen new seating, lighting, and air-conditioning put in to make the AIS Arena a comfortable venue for all visitors.
A new floor has also been installed which will allow a variety of sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball and boccia to make use of the venue all year round.
QUOTES FROM MINISTER GALLAGHER:
“The reopening of the AIS Arena by the Albanese Government is great news for Canberrans after the facility was neglected by the Liberals.
“Bringing back this iconic venue is more than just fixing up a building, it means Canberrans can once again enjoy concerts, community, and sporting events.
“The Albanese Government will continue to invest in Canberra, with our most recent Budget providing $249.7 million for the Australian Sports Commission to revitalise the AIS, and a further $10 million to develop a Bruce Precinct Masterplan."
QUOTES FROM MINISTER WELLS:
“The AIS Arena has hosted many iconic sporting and community events over the past 40 years and now these upgrades mean it can host even more events for everyone to enjoy.
“The new look AIS Arena is able to host a wide range of sporting events catering for able and para sport from the grassroots to elite as well as community events.
“It’s just another way the Albanese Government is supporting sport and follows our record $283 million investment in Olympic and Paralympic sport over the next two years including doubling existing support for para sport announced last week.”
WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2024
