Phoenix action to continue in Traralgon
Published: 25 August 2026NBL action will be back in Gippsland for 2 more seasons following the recent upgrades to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS), supported by the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an agreement with the South East Melbourne Phoenix to continue their partnership that has delivered elite sport and significant economic benefits to the region.
Council has approved funding for 2 South East Melbourne Phoenix in-season matches to be hosted at GRISS during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 NBL seasons.
South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO Simon Derrick recently visited the completed upgrades..
‘We are so pleased to announce this partnership extension and the chance to further deepen our connection with the community who are always so supportive and welcoming,’ he said.
‘We would also like to pass on our appreciation for the ongoing investment in the facilities. This will further enhance our games, for all our stakeholders, but will also deliver ongoing benefits for the community to enjoy throughout the years ahead.'
The stadium now features:
- an upgraded foyer
- upgraded lighting across the venue include the new show court
- new broadcasting facilities
- new and refurbished amenities and changerooms, including for referees
- storage facilities
- automated blinds and external roller shutters
- solar panels, storage batteries and more.
The games are expected to deliver a projected economic impact of about $650,000 per event. In addition to the direct economic benefits, the events provide opportunities for community engagement, inspire participation in sport and showcase the region to a broad audience.
GRISS is home to a diverse range of sporting and community organisations including the Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association, Gippsland United Basketball, Latrobe Valley Badminton Association and local community groups, all set to benefit from the upgraded facilities.
For more information about the program, visit Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.
Transcript
GRISS user groups talking about the benefits of the upgraded multi-sport complex
Vision: Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium entrance
Vision: Text: Upgrades to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium
Vision: Little kids doing gymnastics
Vision: Women playing pickleball
Vision: Garry, president of Latrobe Valley Badminton Association, and pickleball player speaks to camera
GRISS Stadium is known as a multi-sport sporting complex. There are numerous sports that are played here.
Vision: All Abilities Basketball players bouncing basketball on the indoor courts
Vision: Kim, President of Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association (TABA) speaks to camera.
Vision: Children playing basketball
It's the user experience that makes a difference.
It's the community that wants to come back into the facility and play basketball or play any sport that's played here at the venue.
Vision: Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Upgrades signage
Vision: Man playing badminton.
The upgrades have definitely encouraged more participation here and makes it easier for those sports to be able to manage their actual sport, to provide the best facilities for it.
Vision: little kids on gymnastic beams
Vision: all abilities basketball players shooting hoops
Vision: SE Melbourne CEO Simon Derrick speaks to camera
Vision: NBL game with crowds cheering
We are super proud to be able to play and share our game and our team with the community down there.
Vision: women netball game in action with crowds
It’s really great to see the facility grow and enhance.
Vision: Children playing basketball
Vision: Children from BKs Gymnastics high fiving instructors.
Thanks to the Latrobe City Council and the State Government for providing these exceptional facilities.