Bendigo Stadium Prepares for NBL Season with Key Fixtures Ahead

Bendigo Stadium upgrades that include two new courts, refurbished courts 9 and 10, and 200 lux lighting for outdoor netball courts began in September 2025 and remain on track for completion in late 2026 even after the 2026 Commonwealth Games were cancelled.

Key NBL Fixtures Scheduled

The venue will host four NBL games across two seasons. Melbourne United is set to play Cairns Taipans on January 7 2026 and Brisbane Bullets on January 21 2026 with two additional games planned for the 2027 regular season.

Supporting Facility Developments

Separate projects under the Bendigo Sports Package are delivering four refurbished bowls greens and two refurbished croquet courts plus clubhouse improvements at Bendigo Bowls Club and Bendigo Croquet Club. The $25.9 million Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at Catherine McAuley College opened with two junior ovals a lights-equipped senior oval with electronic scoreboard a full-size senior oval with turf cricket wicket two lit outdoor netball courts and a two-court indoor stadium with community spaces.

Council Support for Local Venues

Bendigo Council approved a $100,000 interest-free three-year loan to the privately owned Golden Square ice skating rink to address an $82,000 debt and $9,702 in safety upgrade costs subject to facility upgrades and a financial plan.

These investments position local venues to accommodate regular season NBL matches while other community sports sites receive targeted refurbishments. The January 2026 games at Bendigo Stadium provide the immediate focus for fans and organisers as the facility works continue through late 2026.