As many of you will be aware, the annual Formula 1 event at Albert Park brings brings temporary changes to how we access MSAC from Monday February 23 to Sunday March 15. During this time, there will be important changes to entry points, parking availability and general venue access.
We encourage all players, coaches, officials and families to carefully review the information below and allow extra time when attending trainings and games across the shoulder period to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Shoulder Weeks Period – (February 23 – March 1 and March 10 – March 15)
Venue Access Points
During the lockout period, the usual front doors (both basketball and main reception) will be closed.
Patrons will need to access MSAC via the following alternative entry points:
Entrance 1 – Multi-Deck Car Park Entry
• Enter via the usual entrance near the back multi-deck car park (Swimming pool end of MSAC)
• From there, walk through to the Sports Hall (basketball stadium), there will be signage directing you to the Sports Hall.
Entrance 2 – Canterbury Road / Tram Underpass Access
• An alternate Sports Hall entry will be available via the tram underpass from Canterbury Road.
• This access point is through the emergency entry doors at the far end of the basketball hallway, near the entry to Courts 1 and 3 (for those familiar with MSAC).
Please follow all signage and staff directions when arriving.
Parking
Please note that the front car park and all other Albert Park parking areas will be closed during this period, as surrounding access roads will also be closed.
The only on-site parking available will be:
• Multi-deck car park (approximately 240 spaces)
Additional parking is available in surrounding streets.
We strongly recommend:
• Allowing extra time to find parking and access the courts
• Considering alternate transport options where possible
• Avoiding “drop and run” plans — there is no pick-up/drop-off zone on Canterbury Road
Planning ahead will greatly assist in reducing congestion and delays.
Spectators
Due to a temporary patron cap of 500 people and the added challenges with parking and venue access, we kindly ask teams to limit additional spectators where possible during this two-week period.
While MCBA’s normal operations generally sit well below the patron cap, reducing extra spectators will assist with compliance and ensure all participants can access the venue comfortably.
Please note:
All MSAC games will continue to be available via Glory League, as per normal
All participants under the age of 18 must still have a parent or guardian in attendance for the duration of their game or program. Again we reiterate, please do not “drop and run” with your children, for their safety it is important you ensure they are accompanied in and out of the venue
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience all these changes will cause. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this period and thank you in advance for your support in helping operations run smoothly.
Hard Lockout Period – (March 2 – March 9)
Please note that MSAC Stadiums/Sports Halls will be fully closed during the hard lockout period from Monday March 2 through to Monday March 9.
• No trainings, games or programs will operate during this time
• There will be no access to the venue for players, teams or spectators
• Normal operations will resume from March 10 (subject to final confirmation)
We ask all teams and families to plan accordingly during this week.
