Caledonia Gladiators reveal 1600 seat arena ahead of home opener

Caledonia Gladiators have unveiled their new multi-million-pound arena ahead of their first league game in the club’s new home later this week.

The BBL Trophy winners have completed finishing touches on the 1600-seat arena, based at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride.

The adaptive re-use of the existing facility only began groundworks in March with more than 112,000 man-hours spent transforming the space into a 1,600 seater stadium over the last six months.

Supporters arriving for the club’s first BBL game at the stadium this Thursday will get the chance to experience the club’s new fan zone, which has a variety of hospitality options, seated eating areas and big screen TVs.

Fans will then go courtside to the club’s Saltire-branded stands for their game against Surrey Scorchers, which begins at 7.45pm.

The women’s team’s first game will later take place on 18 October against SL Benfica in a European tie.

The stadium renovation is the first stage of a £20 million stadium project – the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history, which will eventually house a 6000 seat world class arena.

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

“Our new stadium looks incredible, and we’re really pleased with the finished result,” Steve said.

“It’s been a very intense period getting the stadium ready, but it’s definitely been worth the wait.

“We’re also really proud of our new fan zone, which we believe will really add to the matchday experience for our fans.

“Scotland’s never had a purpose-built dedicated basketball arena like this before, and we’re excited to finally welcome our supporters for a league match this Thursday.”

Caledonia Gladiators Men’s head coach Gareth Murray said: “All the players are really looking forward to our first league game here this week and playing in front of the Gladiators crowd.

“The facilities are top class, and we feel they can help us push on even further this season.”

Miguel Angel Ortega Marco, Caledonia Gladiators Women’s head coach, added: “Having our own stadium, where we can train whenever we want, is going to be so important.

“Everyone in the team can’t wait to play here for the first time later this month. It will be a really special occasion.”

Work will later begin on developing the new state-of-the-art purpose-built 6,000-seater arena and practice and community facility at the site.

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.