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
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal
Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.
READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way
Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March
Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.
READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!
Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing
Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.
READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow
Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.
READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow
The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.
READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes
Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!
READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland
A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show
Could a Glasgow dog be the next Spaniel Radcliffe or Pug Henshall? Is there a budding Collie Firth or Brad Pit Bull, waiting to be discovered?
READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note
The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.
READ MORE
Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem
Bongo's Bingo is back in Glasgow with a run of spectacular shows, including 80s specials and St. Patrick's Day specials at SWG3.
READ MORE
Chef Tobias Fiegel opens Extra_Ordinary in Finnieston
Chef Tobias Fiegel has opened a new pan-Asian powerhouse in Glasgow Finnieston, flawlessly blending Japanese, Korean, and Chinese dishes.
READ MORE
itison Us charity call out
itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more
Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MORE
Ricky Tomlinson returns to head the cast in this fantastic feelgood musical comedy
Smash-hit musical comedy Irish Annie's is embarking on a new major nationwide tour in 2025, returning to the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow on 13th June!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries launches its Made in Glasgow 2025 initiative, encouraging the next generation to reimagine the future of retail
Buchanan Galleries has launched its enterprise challenge, Made in Glasgow, today with St Mungos Academy and Shawlands Academy.
READ MORE
Full cast announced for Death Of A Salesman, coming to Glasgow in March
Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman, one of the greatest plays of the Twentieth Century is coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow as part of a new tour starring David Hayman.
READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MORE
Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow
Scotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!
READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORE
Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday
The Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links