Hawks secure home at WIN Entertainment Centre

The Illawarra Hawks will continue to call WIN Entertainment Centre home for at least the next two seasons after signing a new multi-year venue hire agreement with Venues NSW. 

The two-year deal, with an option for a further 12-month extension, will see the Hawks play a minimum 12 home games plus finals at the venue until at least the completion of the 2024-25 season.

Hawks players will enjoy new world-class portable flooring which has been installed at WIN Entertainment Centre ahead of the start of the new NBL season.

Over $1.6 million has been invested in the Hawks’ home court in recent years, with the new flooring adding to the cube video screen and scoring system installed, improved courtside seating, upgraded open corporate boxes, new LED sports lighting, enhanced merchandising outlets, and new backstops.

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said it’s a great outcome to secure a new multi-year venue hire agreement with the Hawks.

“We’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Hawks for at least the next two seasons,” Ms Mather said.

“The Hawks have called WIN Entertainment Centre home since 1998, and have had much to celebrate over the journey, including their maiden 2000-01 NBL title.

“It’s always a fantastic time of year as anticipation builds ahead of the start of the new season and we can’t wait to welcome all Hawks fans back home this month.”

Illawarra Hawks CEO Stu Taggart said the Hawks are eager to return home when they host the Sydney Kings on 30 September, fresh off signing a new multi-year venue agreement.  

“We are delighted to be calling WIN Entertainment Centre home for the next two seasons,” Taggart said. “The atmosphere at the WIN Entertainment Centre when it’s full is unbeatable, and the team loves playing there.

“The ‘2+1’ year agreement with Venues NSW provides a good balance between the certainty of a multi-year deal, and the eagerness the Hawks, and all the Illawarra, have for the early redevelopment of the WIN Entertainment Centre.

“In the meantime, the Hawks are progressing plans with Illawarra Basketball Association for the development of a multi-court community hub facility, housed together with permanent elite training facilities for the Hawks, and a boutique arena, that would provide a temporary home in Wollongong for the Hawks while the WIN Entertainment Centre was being developed.”