Caledonia Gladiators have announced an ambitious £20m plan to build ‘Europe’s finest basketball stadium’ in East Kilbride - which could also see the town host regular music concerts.
Club owner and smart meter millionaire Steve Timoney and his wife Alison yesterday announced the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history, when they revealed they will embark on a two-stage project for a 6000-seater development at the Playsport facility in Stewartfield.
It is earmarked for completion in 2026 and is also expected to bring a jobs boost to the town.
An initial, temporary development phase will see Gladiators - formerly Glasgow Rocks - move into to a 1800-seater arena at Playsport in August.
Work will then begin on the main project next year to bring the main 6000-seater venue, complete with five-court practice and community facility to fruition.
Gladiators hope the stadium can also act as a concert venue that can ‘fill the gap between mid to large size venues’, such as the 14,000-seater OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
And the club have ambitious plans to make Playsport - which is owned by Mr and Mrs Timoney - home to the Team GB basketball squad.
A statement read: “Caledonia Gladiators has ambitious plans for the project, including aspirations to see the stadium become the finest facility for basketball in Europe and ultimately become the home of Team GB.
“It will house a world-class training academy, with the aim of welcoming young players from across Scotland and all around the globe, as well as a dedicated accommodation area, gym facilities and physio suites.
“Talks are also under way to see the facility used for music concerts and conferences, filling the gap in Glasgow for mid to large size arenas.”
Mr Timoney said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the future of the Caledonia Gladiators.
“Our new base at Playsport will go on to become one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once it is completed in 2026.
“It includes plans for a class-leading academy, which will train youngsters from Scotland and across the world with the aim of developing them into elite players.
“We believe our new facility has the potential to help Caledonia Gladiators become one of the most successful men and women’s teams in the BBL and WBBL, with ambitions to play at the top level in Europe.”
In August last year, Caledonia Basketball Holdings Ltd, which is also owned by Steve and Alison Timoney, purchased a 100 per cent stake in Glasgow Rocks and quickly rebranded the club for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
On the court, Gladiators are enjoying a strong season in the British Basketball League, sitting fourth, and are preparing for their first BBL Trophy final for nine years later this month.
Games are currently played at the 6000-seater Emirates Arena in Glasgow but that will change from next season, with a permanent move to East Kilbride for their men’s and women’s teams.
The final against Cheshire Phoenix will be played at the Emirates on Sunday, March 26 and men’s coach Gareth Murray said: “We’re really proud to be announcing our new plans for the club.
“Given the current pressures of working between The Emirates Arena for the men’s team, and The Lagoon in Paisley for the women’s team, it was vital we found a permanent home, so this is a really positive step forward.
“It’s such an exciting time for everyone involved with the Caledonia Gladiators, and I know our team are all looking forward to playing in the new arena.
“All our focus now is on winning the BBL Trophy later this month, which would be a huge moment for the supporters and everyone at the club.”
Miguel Angel Ortega Marco, Caledonia Gladiators Women’s Head Coach, added: “This is great news for the women’s team and the wider club.
“The new facilities will be hugely impressive, and a real boost for the club in attracting the best talent to both our women’s and men’s teams.”
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