Canberra's AIS Arena to reopen in 2023 after Commonwealth commits to funding upgrade

Canberra's main indoor sports venue, which has been effectively mothballed for two years, is set to reopen next year after ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja announced funding for a safety upgrade. Key points: Safety concerns have forced the AIS Arena to remain closed to major events for two years The Commonwealth has committed $11.4m to ensure it reopens, regardless of the outcome of the election Federal Labor later pledged $15m towards the arena, if the party is elected, saying the investment would go further than just making the venue safe The AIS Arena, which hosted concerts and the Canberra Capitals women's basketball team, was shut down when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020. Earlier this year, Senator Seselja said the ACT government, as one of the facility's main tenants, needed to "come to the table" by helping to fund repairs. However, Senator Seselja and federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck announced today that the Commonwealth would provide $11.4 million to ensure the arena reopened early next year.