United courts a great new home
TweetADD Margaret Court to the list of quality basketball venues, even if it was built for tennis.
(Yeah. I know it is Margaret Court "Arena" but you already know my view on that.)
Long-time colleague and basketball expert - now an analyst with NBL.TV in Melbourne - Andrew "A.J." Johnstone was the first to email to say MCA was a "must-visit" venue and excellent for basketball.
Have always highly respected his opinion.
The venue has been converted from an outside court to a luxury indoor facility with a retractable roof.
And every seat in the 7,500-capacity venue - even those in the Pat Rafters - has great sight lines.
Melbourne's first game there also produced (Pat) Cash on Delivery, with United whipping Cairns 91-76.
“It was fantastic for all of us here at CTI Melbourne United to be part of the first ever public event at Margaret Court Arena,” United chief executive Vince Crivelli said.
“It truly is a wonderful venue to watch and engage in a game in and we look forward to playing there again this season.
“We are committed to the Olympic Park precinct and its wonderful facilities.
"They are all fantastic, world-class facilities and allow us to make our game-day experience one of the best for our stakeholders and fans.
"There is no doubt Margaret Court Arena does that. We love it.”
Johnstone, a long-time scribe, columnist, TV and radio caller, said: "It’s a sparkling, state-of-the-art facility in a fantastic location and one of the most exciting developments in Australian basketball for years.
“The main entry to the arena through Garden Square brings a real sense of occasion and anticipation, and there's not a bad seat in the house. I’m looking forward to seeing this place jumping for years to come."
Cairns captain Cameron Gliddon said the venue had been an eye-catcher.
“It was great,” he said.
“It’s a great size venue and a great court to play on.”
Melbourne has three more games scheduled at MCA against the Townsville Crocodiles (December 7), Sydney Kings (December 21) and Wollongong Hawks (February 7).