Derwent Entertainment Centre facts for kids
| DEC, The Devils Den | |
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| Location | Brooker Highway, Glenorchy, Hobart, Tasmania 7010 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°49′27″S 147°16′58″E / 42.82417°S 147.28278°E |
| Owner | Glenorchy City Council |
| Operator | Glenorchy City Council |
| Capacity | 5,400 (seated) 7,500 (general admission) |
| Surface | Concrete Hardwood (basketball) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1989 |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Tenants | |
| Hobart Devils (NBL) (1989–1996) Hobart Chargers (NBL1 South) (2017–present ) Tasmania Jack Jumpers (NBL) (2021–onwards) |
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The Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC) is the biggest indoor stadium in Tasmania. It is a multi-purpose arena, meaning it can be used for many different events. It is the main place in Hobart for large indoor shows, concerts, and sports games.
The DEC was built in 1989. You can find it near the River Derwent, the Brooker Highway, and Tattersalls Park.
This large venue can hold up to 7,500 people for concerts. For events with seats, like basketball games, it can fit 5,400 people.
In 2020, it was announced that a new NBL team would be based in Tasmania. This team, the Tasmania Jack Jumpers, started playing in the 2021-22 NBL season. The DEC became their home court. This was exciting because Tasmania had not had its own NBL team for 25 years!
The Tasmanian Government is spending money to upgrade the DEC. This will make it an even better home for the new NBL team. Part of the money will also go towards building a new community sports facility.
History of the DEC
The Derwent Entertainment Centre was built in 1989. It was funded by the Bi-Centennial Project and the Tasmanian Government. The building was designed by Blythe Yeung and Associates Architect, working with Peter Hunt Architects. Hansen & Yuncken built the centre.
Basketball at the DEC
From 1989 to 1996, the DEC was home to Tasmania's first NBL team, the Hobart Devils. They moved to the DEC from a smaller stadium that only held 1,800 people. The DEC was much bigger and more modern. Local TV commentators often called the DEC the "Devils Den" when the Hobart Devils played there.
Even after the Devils left, basketball continued at the DEC. In 2005, an NBL game was played there between the Adelaide 36ers and the Melbourne Tigers. In 2006, the Australian Boomers (Australia's national team) played against the New Zealand Tall Blacks at the DEC. About 4,000 fans came to watch that exciting game!
In 2017 and 2018, the Hobart Chargers basketball team also played their home games at the DEC.
In 2019, the DEC was the main stadium for the NBL Blitz, which is a pre-season tournament. This showed that the NBL was interested in the venue. Later, the NBL decided to buy the DEC from the Glenorchy City Council. This was part of the plan to bring a new NBL team to Tasmania.
Now, the Tasmania Jack Jumpers play their home games at the DEC. They joined the NBL in the 2021-22 season.
Other Events and Uses
Because it is the largest indoor venue in Tasmania, the DEC often hosts big-name music artists. When famous singers or bands tour Tasmania, they often perform at the DEC.
The centre is also home to "Music for the Masses," which is Australia's largest quiz night. It's a fun event where many people gather to test their knowledge.
The DEC is also used for other events. These include large sales, trade shows, and expos. In 2009, the Dalai Lama gave a public talk at the centre.
Images for kids
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MyState Bank Arena (Derwent Entertainment Centre) during the 2021-22 NBL Finals Series
