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The ACT government will send a team into the AIS Arena to investigate how they can revitalise the facility in the hope of re-opening its doors. ACT sport minister Yvette Berry has spoken with federal counterpart Richard Colbeck following the decision Sport Australia’s decision to close the venue indefinitely. Berry has sought answers as to why the Arena was shut and the costs involved in fixing its problems, which could be up to $5 million and spark a territory versus federal debate. The Canberra Capitals are anxiously waiting a verdict on the venue at which they have hosted WNBL grand finals, semi-finals and regular season blockbusters in recent years. Berry was at Belconnen Basketball Stadium on Monday to unveil a $36,400 upgrade to resurface courts and repair both the roof and grandstand. “We’ve had an agreement from the sports commission and the federal government to allow the ACT government to send in a team to the AIS to check on the health of the facility so we can properly understand what are the issues there,” Berry said. “[We can see] if there is the ability to open up that facility for the Capitals. They also have other places in the AIS to train in. This is a great facility and I’m sure they wouldn’t knock it back if given the opportunity [to train here].”

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