Bendigo will play host to top-flight basketball and receive a boost to its sporting infrastructure, with Melbourne United set to play four NBL games in the city and upgrades now underway at both Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds.
Two-time champions Melbourne United will face the Cairns Taipans on January 7 and the Brisbane Bullets on January 21 at Bendigo Stadium, with two further games locked in for the 2027 NBL season. Alongside the matches, United will deliver a basketball development program across the region, bringing school visits and coaching clinics to local students.
Bendigo’s own Dash Daniels will return home with teammates Chris Goulding and Shea Ili to headline the games, expected to draw strong crowds and national attention.
The matches coincide with a multi-million dollar works package at Bendigo Stadium, which will add two new courts, refurbish courts nine and ten, and deliver 200 lux lighting across 12 outdoor netball courts. Carpark and accessibility upgrades, a backup generator and solar panels are also part of the project, though none of the work will impact this season’s fixtures.
The Showgrounds redevelopment will deliver a multipurpose pavilion, event space, upgraded grass arena, new lighting, and improved entrances and fencing. The venue, home to events such as the Bendigo Agricultural Show, Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Sunday Markets and National Swap Meet, will gain year-round flexibility for both sport and community events.
“These games will attract thousands of fans to Bendigo and showcase our city to an audience from across Australia – making it a win for fans and local businesses,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.
Works at both venues are expected to finish in late 2026.
