The $7 million expansion included the addition of three multi-purpose courts, new multi-purpose activity rooms, offices, amenities, a kiosk and parking facilities. 

The expanded indoor stadium, since opening for community use in February 2017, has hosted a range of events including the Seaside Classic (basketball), Special Olympics and Northern Futsal events.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager Liam Bulley said events such as these attracted a significant number of visitors and repeat visitors to our region with events already being re-booked for 2018.

“Council encourages active and healthy lifestyles and our growing local sporting community are utilising the expanded stadium for sports activities including volleyball, badminton, basketball, netball, multi-sports and the Port Macquarie Performing Arts dance studio has also recently established at the facility,” he said.

“With six courts, we have the largest indoor stadium on the North Coast, allowing Port Macquarie to continue to support growing local demand and promoting us as a regional sporting destination of choice.”

Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium manager Clay Coad said the expansion had been a positive for the town.

He said the response after the upgrade showed the area needed the expanded facility.

Fast5 Netball and wheelchair basketball have come on board at the stadium, for example, while holiday camps were offered before Christmas.

Other sports have grown to fill in spots at the stadium.

The stadium expansion was funded by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the federal government. 

Mr Coad said people had visited as a result of the expansion and discovered what the facility had to offer.