A A$50M ($35.6M) NSW government commitment to refurbish Ken Rosewall Arena at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre "has been welcomed by both tennis and netball officials," according to Nick Bonyhady of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The project will include a roof over the arena and new flooring to "make the venue suitable for netball," whose two teams in Super Netball -- the Giants and Swifts -- "will make the venue their permanent homes." The upgrade "is also a huge boost for tennis in the state, increasing the chances of Sydney being one of the host cities" of the new 24-nation ATP Cup to be launched in Australia next January. Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson said, "There is no doubt that today’s announcement ensures that Sydney puts itself in the best possible position to bid for and hopefully secure the likes of the ATP Cup. We are eagerly awaiting the outcome of that process and hope to hear news on that very shortly. ... Sydney has been crying out for a roof over this venue for many years. Today’s announcement is just a significant step for tennis fans in this city." Netball, meanwhile, "has long been caught between two unsuitable stadiums in Sydney." Qudos Bank Arena, with capacity for about 15,000 fans, "is too big," and the Quaycentre, which houses only 3,800, "is too small." Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell said, "[The upgraded venue] is going to help showcase one of the most elite and established women's sports." On average, just under 10,000 spectators attended Swifts and Giants games in Qudos Bank Arena last year, "so Campbell believes the Rosewall Arena, which has 10,000 seats, will be just right for Super Netball games." Melbourne has three indoor venues in the Melbourne Park precinct (SMH, 1/4).
