In a bid to accommodate their growing fan base and elevate the game-day experience, the Brisbane Bullets are returning to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall for the upcoming NBL25 season.
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After regularly selling out the smaller Nissan Arena last season, the move to the 10,500-seat BEC marks a significant step forward for the franchise, according to Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts.
He says the decision enables the club to cater to the booming popularity of basketball in South East Queensland and enhance all aspects of the game presentation.
With the shift to the larger venue, the Bullets are aiming to deliver an NBA-style product, complete with enhanced infrastructure and amenities for fans. Watts emphasises the club’s commitment to revamping the Entertainment Centre to match the experience of other top NBL venues, promising an elevated game presentation and increased seating, premium hospitality, and parking options.
Brisbane Bullets reconnect with history, build for the future
The return to the BEC also holds a sense of nostalgia for the Bullets, who won their most recent NBL championships in 2007 and 1987 at the iconic venue.
Coach Justin Schueller, in his first season at the helm, is thrilled by the prospect of reviving the team’s winning tradition at the arena. He encourages fans to transform the venue into a fortress and support the team’s pursuit of another championship banner.
Beyond the on-court experience, the Bullets are also investing in their long-term future. Construction is underway on a purpose-built High Performance Centre in South Brisbane, which will provide elite training facilities, treatment rooms, offices, and a merchandise store, all under one roof.
According to Watts, having a dedicated home base will be a game-changer for the club, providing a significant platform for on-court and off-court success.
Ready for the next chapter in our storied history.
— Brisbane Bullets (@BrisbaneBullets) June 13, 2024
Snaps from our Southbank press conference.#RIVERCITYSTRONG pic.twitter.com/KS2GeOeLFP
The centre’s central location is expected to boost the club’s brand presence and exposure, while also strengthening its ties to the local basketball community through development programs and potential junior academies.
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After a disappointing 2022–23 campaign, the Bullets showed signs of life last season, finishing 13-15 and narrowly missing the playoffs via tiebreaker. With Schueller—regarded as one of Aussie hoops’ most promising young minds—as head coach and the additions of a dedicated training facility and a larger home venue, the franchise is well-positioned to continue its rebuilding process and reclaim its place among the NBL’s elite.
Published 19-June-2024