Basketball returns to upgraded Silverdome

The Tasmanian Government’s $12 million upgrade at the Silverdome is now complete.

At the 2024 election, our Liberal Government committed to upgrading the crown jewel of northern sport, the Launceston Silverdome, as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

The Government has delivered on its plan, providing upgraded sporting facilities and improved amenities for Northern Tasmania.

Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said we’re building an even better Tasmania, enhancing one of the region’s most iconic indoor sporting and events venues for elite athletes, community sporting groups and spectators.

“The Silverdome is an essential part of Tasmania’s sporting infrastructure, and these upgrades will help secure its future for years to come,” Minister Duigan said.

“The redevelopment has delivered a new multi-purpose sports floor, additional spectator seating, improved food and beverage facilities, a new function space and refurbished change rooms.

“These improvements are a key part of our Government’s plan to give athletes, local sporting groups and visitors a better experience, while helping attract more events to Launceston.”

The Tasmania Jewels will make their WNBL debut in Launceston tomorrow, bringing elite women’s basketball to the Silverdome for the first of five home games in the State’s North this season.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Roger Jaensch, said the game was an important milestone in the Jewels’ inaugural season and an opportunity for Northern Tasmanians to get behind the team.

“The return of a Tasmanian team to the WNBL after 30 years is a significant moment for our State, and it is important that all Tasmanians can be part of it,” Minister Jaensch said.

“With five home games in Launceston this season, Northern Tasmania supporters have the chance to see elite women’s basketball at home and cheer on a team proudly carrying Tasmania’s name on the national stage.

“Our Government is getting on with the job and delivering the sporting facilities Tasmania needs.”

The Tasmania Jewels Vice Captain Keely Froling said the team was excited to play in front of their home crowd in Launceston at the new and improved Silverdome for the first time.

“It’s massive for us to have a home in the North, and the Silverdome is going to be a really strong home as well, a place where the North can get behind us and celebrate their Jewels,” Froling said.

“The crowd in the north is always incredible, they love to get behind basketball, and I can’t wait for them to see WNBL, it’ll be next level for the fans.”

The Jewels will host 11 home games in their first WNBL season, with six games in Hobart and five in Launceston.

The Jewels’ first Launceston home game will be played at the Silverdome on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

For more information, visit www.tasmaniajewels.com.au