Bendigo Stadium Upgrades and New Venues Strengthen Youth Sports Infrastructure

Bendigo Stadium is undergoing major upgrades funded by the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including two new courts, refurbishment of courts 9 and 10, and 200 lux lighting for outdoor netball courts, with works finishing in late 2026.

Why Infrastructure Matters for Youth Sport

These changes come as Bendigo maintains its status as a powerhouse of Australian basketball, hosting the Bendigo Spirit at Red Energy Arena. Youth programs rely on reliable indoor and outdoor spaces to maintain participation levels, especially as population growth continues in suburbs such as Strathfieldsaye and Maiden Gully.

Key Venues Driving Local Participation

The $25.9 million Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at Catherine McAuley College has opened with junior ovals, a senior oval with lights, outdoor netball courts, an indoor two-court stadium and a cricket training hub. La Trobe University's new Bendigo Sports Centre offers indoor and outdoor courts for netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton plus a gym, oval and group fitness studio. The Bendigo Sports Inclusion Program, backed by Bendigo Community Health Services, has engaged over 1,300 youth participants since 2019 in sports including soccer, volleyball and cane ball.

Evidence of Growing Demand

Recent youth events such as the Junior Classic Tournament, which attracted 355 teams and 15,000 people, show the scale of local interest. The 2026 Code Sports NBL Blitz is scheduled for Red Energy Arena from September 2-6, highlighting continued use of established venues for elite youth competition.

The City of Greater Bendigo council provided a $100,000 interest-free loan to support the Golden Square ice skating rink, requiring facility upgrades and a new financial plan. These investments align with broader trends where small and micro-businesses in Bendigo have seen steady growth, supporting the lifestyle and community activities that keep young people engaged in sport.

Residents seeking to use the upgraded facilities can check schedules directly through the City of Greater Bendigo and venue operators as works progress through the remainder of 2026.