Caledonia Gladiators announce new stadium project
Professional basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators are to invest over £20million in a new stadium project, marking the single greatest contribution to the sport in Scottish history.
Article Source: Caledonia Gladiators
Last Updated: 14 March 2023 12:26
Steve Timoney and wife Alison, owners of the club, made the announcement ahead of the men’s team’s first BBL Trophy Final in nine years, when they will face off against Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday 26 March at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena in front of a sell-out 6000 crowd.
The two-stage stadium development will see Scotland’s only professional basketball teams, the Caledonia Gladiators men and women, initially move into an 1,800-seater temporary stadium, based at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride, later this summer.
In 2024, work will then begin on the main project, a new state-of-the-art purpose built 6,000-seater arena and five-court practice and community facility at the site, which is due to be completed in 2026.
As the popularity of the sport grows across the country – the number of registered basketball players in Scotland almost doubled between 2014 and 2019 from 4,161 to 8,242 – the Gladiators have ambitious plans for the project, including aspirations to see the stadium become the finest basketball facility in Europe and ultimately the home of Team GB.
With the development of a world-class training academy, the club aim to welcome young players from across Scotland and around the globe to state-of-the-art gym facilities, accommodation area and physio suites.
Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney, a Glasgow based businessman, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the future of the Caledonia Gladiators.
“Our new base at PlaySport will go on to become one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once it is completed in 2026.
“It includes plans for a class-leading academy, which will train youngsters from Scotland and across the world with the aim of developing them into elite players.
“We believe our new facility has the potential to help Caledonia Gladiators become one of the most successful men and women’s teams in the BBL and WBBL, with ambitions to play at the top level in Europe.
“It’s a great time for the club, with our BBL Trophy Final match round the corner, and we’re all hugely looking forward to that match.”
Gareth Murray, Caledonia Gladiators head coach, said: “We’re really proud to be announcing our new plans for the club.
“Given the current pressures of working between The Emirates Arena for the men’s team, and The Lagoon in Paisley for the women’s team, it was vital we found a permanent home, so this is a really positive step forward.
“It’s such an exciting time for everyone involved with the Caledonia Gladiators, and I know our team are all looking forward to playing in the new arena.
“All our focus now is on winning the BBL Trophy later this month, which would be a huge moment for the supporters and everyone at the club.”
Talks are also under way to see the facility used for music concerts and conferences, filling the gap in Glasgow for mid to large size arenas.
Miguel Angel Ortega Marco, Caledonia Gladiators Women’s Head Coach, added: “This is great news for the women’s team and the wider club.
“The new facilities will be hugely impressive, and a real boost for the club in attracting the best talent to both our women’s and men’s teams.”
Caledonia Gladiators secured their place in the BBL Trophy Final after defeating Derby Trailblazers 83-65 earlier this month in the semi-final.
It is the first time they have reached the final since they lost 83-76 to Worcester Wolves in 2013/14.
It is also a chance for the club to win their first silverware since they won the BBL Playoffs in 2002/3
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
New artisan bakery gives away free coffee and cake to celebrate opening
Shots of a new bakery set to open in Glasgow's west end have been revealed as its owner plans to usher in a new era: 'brot winter'.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
The Grahamston unveils new festive dining experience and limited edition cocktail menu
The menu features a festive twist on key dishes alongside unique Peter Pan-inspired cocktails!
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort launches Christmas charity partnerships to support local young people and their families
As Christmas approaches, Glasgow Fort has partnered with local charities Simba and FARE Scotland to support young people and their families this festive season.
READ MORE
Do Not Disturb: Drinks delivery service becomes the first to offer silent delivery
Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service has become the first retailer to offer a 'silent night' delivery option meaning customers can order worry-free of doorbells or loud knocks.
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Family festive fun at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life this December.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Park Lane Market comes to city centre as founder calls on Glaswegians to shop local this Christmas
Glasgow's Park Lane Market, one of the city's most popular and longest-running markets, is set to host its biggest ever Christmas event on November 30th at The Social Hub Glasgow.
READ MORE
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa unveils magical line up of festive events
Glasgow's iconic Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa is kick-starting the festive season with a Christmas movie takeover at its inhouse cinema.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Social Bite Festival Of Kindness seeks Glaswegians to help raise donations and joy in the city this Christmas
The charity is calling for local performers and community groups to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas.
READ MORE
Clan fans rally to the charity cause
The Glasgow Clan's Purple Army of fans raised more than £11,000 for the charity that promotes awareness and opportunities to participate in ice sports.
READ MORE
Get messy this Christmas with the award winning burger restaurant, El Perro Negro
The holidays are here, and El Perro Negro is bringing the festive spirit in true mouthwatering style!
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort calls on customers to design their dream Christmas pancake
Glasgow Fort has launched a competition asking pancake lovers to share their dream topping, with one lucky winner seeing their seasonal creation served up at the centre's Christmas markets.
READ MORE
Unbeatable Black Friday offers at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals with discounts across items including fashion and footwear to jewellery and beauty.
READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Stargyle Street Makes Glasgow shine
From Europe's longest star tunnel to dazzling light shows, Glasgow leads the way in Christmas magic!
READ MORE
Skate into Christmas at Silverburn
Silverburn's festive events launch with the opening of its brand new ice rink!
READ MORE
Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas
Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.
READ MORE
Radisson Blu Glasgow collaborates with Yardworks to showcase thriving arts scene in Glasgow
Radisson Blu Glasgow is putting Glasgow's arts and culture scene front and centre this festive season, transforming the front of the hotel with a custom designed piece of art.
READ MORE
IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month
IKEA is giving shoppers a £20 voucher for every real tree purchased for £29 in its Scottish stores from 23rd November – with pre-orders available now.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season
Aldi Scotland announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Golf Fang Glasgow
Golf Fang Glasgow's weird and wonderful Christmas offering includes a limited edition Christmas drinks menu and 'presents from Santa's Sack'!
READ MORE
Glasgow top chefs launch Dining Tales at Waterstones
Glasgow, renowned for its vibrant dining scene, celebrated its culinary heart on Tuesday evening with a hosted panel discussion to launch Dining Tales.
READ MORE
The Scottish premiere of new Steps musical Here & Now will be held in Glasgow
UK pop band Steps are delighted to announce that their official musical HERE & NOW, will have its Scottish premiere at the King's Theatre Glasgow.
READ MORE
The Loveable Rogue featured in Best 50 Sunday Roasts by The Good Food Guide
The Loveable Rogue, Glasgow's coolest gastropub, has been named in Britain's Best 50 restaurants to enjoy a Sunday Roast.
READ MORE
Create magical memories at the IRN BRU Carnival
The IRN-BRU Carnival returns for another year of fun, rides, thrills and memory making at Glasgow's SEC this December and January.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links