Entrepreneur Steve Timoney has announced plans for a new £20m arena for the Caledonia Gladiators in what he calls “the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history”.
Smart Metering Systems founder Mr Timoney and his wife Alison today announced the two-stage development for East Kilbride that they hope will become “the finest facility for basketball in Europe” and could also host concerts.
The Caledonia Gladiators will initially move into an 1,800-seater temporary stadium at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex later this summer.
Next year work will begin on the main project - a purpose-built 6,000-seater arena and five-court practice and community facility at the site. It is set to be completed in 2026.
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The news comes days before the team competes in its first BBL Trophy Final in nine years against Cheshire Phoenix on March 26.
Steve and Alison bought the women’s franchise Caledonia Pride last year and then bought Glasgow Rocks to form the Caledonia Gladiators - Scotland’s only professional basketball club with both teams competing in the British Basketball Leagues.
They hope the complex, which will also include a training academy, could become the home of Team GB. And they say talks are under way to see the arena used for music concerts and conferences.
Owner Steve Timoney said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the future of the Caledonia Gladiators.
“Our new base at PlaySport will go on to become one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once it is completed in 2026.
“It includes plans for a class-leading academy, which will train youngsters from Scotland and across the world with the aim of developing them into elite players.
“We believe our new facility has the potential to help Caledonia Gladiators become one of the most successful men and women’s teams in the BBL and WBBL, with ambitions to play at the top level in Europe.
“It’s a great time for the club, with our BBL Trophy Final match round the corner, and we’re all hugely looking forward to that match.”
Gareth Murray, Caledonia Gladiators Head Coach, said: “We’re really proud to be announcing our new plans for the club today.
“Given the current pressures of working between The Emirates Arena for the men’s team, and The Lagoon in Paisley for the women’s team, it was vital we found a permanent home, so this is a really positive step forward.
“It’s such an exciting time for everyone involved with the Caledonia Gladiators, and I know our team are all looking forward to playing in the new arena.
“All our focus now is on winning the BBL Trophy later this month, which would be a huge moment for the supporters and everyone at the club.”
Miguel Angel Ortega Marco, Caledonia Gladiators Women’s Head Coach, added: “This is great news for the women’s team and the wider club.
“The new facilities will be hugely impressive, and a real boost for the club in attracting the best talent to both our women’s and men’s teams.”
