ALBURY Sports Stadium being renamed in honour of champion basketballer Lauren Jackson has taken a major step forward despite lukewarm support from sporting groups.
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Albury Council’s community and cultural committee will be asked on Monday night to support a recommendation the change be made to Lauren Jackson Sports Stadium, subject to approval from the game’s greatest female player and her management.
Stadium manager Michael Stanton’s report on the issue first raised by Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec last October, supports the push as an opportunity for the council to honour someone from Albury, who has achieved unparalleled international standing in her sport and is one of the most recognised sportswomen in the world.
But the Albury Junior Basketball Association, Albury Indoor Netball Association, Albury-Wodonga Badminton Association and Border Basketball Club only supported naming the main court after Jackson and not the stadium.
“The renaming of the stadium is an appropriate way for this to occur and does not set a precedent for future naming rights of council facilities due to the unique nature of Lauren’s international status,” Mr Stanton’s report states.
“The renaming of the stadium after Lauren Jackson does provide a unique point of difference for the facility and the city.
“Albury Council should recognise, celebrate and honour its high achievers no matter what their field of endeavour.”
The total cost of the proposed renaming is $60,000 with changes required to signage, website, promotional material and street signage.
A prominent memorabilia display or mural of Jackson’s achievements within the stadium would need to be created.
Mr Stanton’s report acknowledged Jackson had raised the profile of basketball on a national and international level.
“It could be argued that Lauren is one of the most widely recognised women sportspeople in any sport in the world,” he states.
“This profile has enhanced council’s sporting and event reputation and the connection of Lauren and Albury is often made when bidding or negotiating for sporting events.
“For example, the Lauren Jackson connection was a major reason for Albury successfully negotiating a relationship with Basketball ACT to conduct a recent WNBL match played at the Albury Sports Stadium.”
