The Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) is open for business following a $19 million redevelopment at Catterick Crescent in Traralgon.

Hawthorn Netball Club, Melbourne Boomers, Collingwood Netball Club and the National Basketball League’s 3×3 format have all committed to GRISS appearances in a big coup for Latrobe City’s burgeoning sports and events precinct.

There was plenty of star power at the 17 December 2020 official opening, with Collingwood and England international netball superstar Geva Mentor in attendance, plus video messages from the Boomers and Collingwood. 

Collingwood netball legend Geva Mentor added some spark to opening day.

Elite and amateur athletes alike from across Gippsland and beyond will benefit from increased offerings at the venue, with community user groups and sporting clubs already taking to the courts.

The redeveloped centre now features nine courts, a show court with 3000 spectator seats, office and meeting space, conference rooms, café, social spaces and caters to a broad spectrum of indoor sports, shows and events.

“Everything’s been extremely positive; it’s a great space,” Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association Secretary Jeff White said.

“To have access to nine basketball courts in regional Victoria is an outstanding achievement for Latrobe City and the region.

“It’s only going to help grow and develop our sport especially but also other sports that use the facility.”

A 12-month construction cycle provided an economic boost for Latrobe City, with a host of local contractors engaged throughout the build. 

Gippsland businesses MSD Painting, Morrow Plumbing, Platinum Electricians, WELDTEK, CME Installations, Cornwall Building, Carpet Country, MTS Excavations and Drilling, J.O Miller and M&JM Cook, among others, were all engaged by lead contractor Becon Constructions on the project.

Unity: Local user groups joined with Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing (front right) and Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson (fifth from right) to officially open the GRISS.

Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson lauded the new-look centre and its implications for future generations of young athletes and event attraction.

“Latrobe City Council is thrilled to deliver this world-class indoor sports stadium for the benefit of all across our patch. Locals, visitors and elite athletes alike will enjoy these facilities, which will attract major tourism and big dollars into our economy for generations to come,” Cr Gibson said.

“This project is a testament to the State Government’s support for Latrobe City and we applaud their vision for local infrastructure upgrades to enhance our region’s clout as a major sporting and events precinct.”

The project was funded by $17 million from the Victorian Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative, administered by Latrobe Valley Authority, and $2 million Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme.

Take a virtual tour of the new Traralgon Sports Stadium with Latrobe City’s Larry Sengstock >