Happy hubbub returns to new-look arena

The world was a much darker place when the AIS Arena last flung its doors open to the public.

The COVID-19 pandemic had gripped the globe and where once the arena had resounded to cheers of fans, in late 2021 gowned and masked medical staff were moved in, partitions set up, spectator seating draped in morbid black cloth and syringes uncapped.

Over 288,000 jabs were administered inside the arena.

But as Australia enjoys one of its most successful Olympic campaigns in Paris, the smiles have returned once more.

The ACT public were given open access to the arena on Sunday for the first of two "live sites" planned locally during the Paris Olympics, coinciding with others held around the country in places such as Federation Square in Melbourne and Tumbalong Park in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

For many Canberrans, it was the first time they had been able to see the extent of the $15 million upgrade to the 43-year-old venue.

Champion middle distance runner and two-time Olympian Zoe Buckman at the new look AIS Arena for the "watch party". Picture by Keegan Carroll

Uncertainty had surrounded the future of the venue when it was unexpectedly shuttered in 2020 due to undisclosed "safety concerns".

Now after refurbishment which has introduced more comfortable, multipurpose retractable seating, brighter lighting, LED screens, a new public address system, four wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms and most importantly, modernised the player changerooms, the Canberra Capitals and the Giants netball team are in negotiations with the Australian Sports Commission to return for the 2024-25 season.

Flashback to late 2021, when the arena was set up for mass vaccinations. Picture by Karleen Minney

A new timber court surface, previously used in the 2023 world basketball championships in Jakarta, sits stored and in readiness for its first pack-down.

The arena's "watch party", with a large LED screen set up on the main floorspace showing live broadcasts and replays from the Olympics, offered a four-hour window with games for children and beanbags for the viewing fans to sprawl in.

Events on the arena's schedule for the second half of 2024 include the Junior Pan Pacific swimming championships opening ceremony, Uni Sport national championships, Skipping Australia national championships and the ICN body building world championships.