Formerly known as Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre and home to Cessnock Basketball Association, the stadium has recently taken on a naming rights sponsor and is looking to build its profile in the community.

The stadium’s general manager Brett Keeble said the centre has great potential to offer a wide range of activities.

While basketball is first and foremost, it will soon introduce indoor netball and soccer (futsal).

Mr Keeble said he hopes the centre can host more events like the upcoming Hunter Valley Avicultural Society Bird Sale and the Shell Questacon Science Circus.

“The stadium is here for the whole community,” he said.

“It’s a really good facility.”

The bird sale is expected to draw hundreds of people to the stadium this Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Hunter Valley Avicultural Society secretary-treasurer Deirdre Hills said about 3000 birds will be for sale.

“There will be everything from tiny little finches, canaries and budgies up to African greys and blue-and-gold macaws; something to suit everybody,” she said.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus, a hands-on exhibition for people of all ages, will be at the centre on June 1.

“It’s a great way to discover new things about our world and explore the science and technology all around us,” Science Circus presenter Isabel Telfer said.

The science circus will run from 4pm to 7pm. Admission is $6 adults, $5 students/concession, free for children under five, and $18 family.