Caledonia Gladiators reveal first look at new multi-million-pound stadium

Caledonia Gladiators have unveiled images of how its new multi-million-pound stadium will look that will be based at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride.

The BBL Trophy winners have released a range of CGIs of the top-of-the-range arena, which include a 1600-seat show court, fan zone, and big screens.

👀 A first look at @Cal_Gladiators new multi-million pound home 🏡 pic.twitter.com/KfXOd1O66i

— Hoopsfix (@Hoopsfix) September 5, 2023

The stadium renovation will be finished in the coming weeks and is the first stage of a £20 million stadium project – the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history.

Work will then begin on developing the main project, a new state-of-the-art purpose-built 6,000-seater arena and practice and community facility.

The work has been funded by leading businessman Steve Timoney and wife Alison, owners of the club.

“We’re really proud of how the new stadium is coming together and pleased to able to share CGIs with supporters showing how impressive it will look once completed,” Steve Timoney said.

“It’s a hugely exciting time, with a hive of activity at the club as the final touches are put on the arena, and everyone can’t wait for fans to experience the new stadium in the flesh next month.

“We’re confident PlaySport will be one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once the final project is completed, and this stadium is a key part of those plans.”

Caledonia Gladiators Men’s head coach Gareth Murray, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, added: “It’s fantastic to have our own arena, and the CGIs show how great it’s going to look when we play our first game here in a month’s time.

“Having a new base where both the men’s and women’s teams can train and play is so important to the club and its ambitions.

“We’re now really looking forward to building on our BBL Trophy Final success at our new home.”

Miguel Angel Ortega Marco, Caledonia Gladiators Women’s head coach, added: “Having our own stadium and training facilities is fundamental to the continued growth of the women’s game.

“The complex will be fantastic once it’s finished, as the images show, and we’re all looking forward to welcoming the people of East Kilbride and beyond to our games across the season.”

The club has ambitious plans for the next stage of the project, including aims to ultimately make its arena the home of Team GB.

With the development of a world-class training academy, The Gladiators aim to welcome young players from across Scotland and around the globe to its state-of-the-art gym facilities, accommodation area and physio suites.

Talks are also under way to see the facility used for music concerts and conferences, filling the gap in the wider Glasgow area for mid-to-large sized arenas.

The CGIs were produced by architects Holmes Miller, who will continue to work with the Gladiators in the coming months on the second stage of the club’s arena.

The club are the focus of new sports documentary series “Ballers: Ball or Nothing”, which followed the club across the course of last season and will debut on BBC Scotland later this year, and later be available on BBC Three.