Formerly Cessnock Basketball Stadium, the centre has undergone a makeover worth close to $750,000, including a new façade, foyer, canteen and meeting and conference rooms.

The courts have been resurfaced and new rings installed, and the centre has acquired equipment to cater for a wider variety of sports including indoor, volleyball, Soccer (Futsal) and netball.

Start dates for competitions in these sports will be announced soon.

Cessnock Basketball Club president Vanessa Lovett said the centre’s refurbishment will heighten its patronage and attract people from all walks of life, not just basketball.

“It allows us to be exposed to a different dynamic of people,” Ms. Lovett said.

The grand opening will start at 12pm, featuring a jumping castle, and exhibition games the variety of sports now on offer at the centre, including Futsal and volleyball.

The Cessnock youth mens’ basketball team will take on Maitland at 5pm, and the Newcastle and Maitland ABA teams will do battle at 7pm.