Perth Wildcats aim for 10,000 by 2012

The new Perth Arena may not be seeking the Perth Wildcats, but the four-time championship winning team is certainly fixated on moving to the proposed 320 million dollar venue, upon completion in 2009. Speaking to Austadiums.com the Operating Manager Andrew Vlahov said the Wildcats were aiming for upwards of 10,000 people at the venue within three years of establishing themselves at the new indoor stadium.

This comes despite Steve Worner a spokesman for the Department of Housing and Works claiming that the State Government does not seek the Perth Wildcats as a tenant at the new state of the art complex. "The State Government has not sought - and is not currently seeking - a commitment from the Wildcats, and does not need such a commitment to make the venue viable."

Andrew Vlahov dismissed the suggestion that they are not interested in moving to the Perth Arena upon completion. "We would certainly be interested in moving to the new Perth Arena, we believe we can attract 6-7,000 in the first year, moving to 10,000+ after 3 years".

However the hiring costs which was a large part of the previous losses of the Wildcats franchise at the Perth Entertainment Centre has not been discussed yet and Vlahov was keeping this close to his cards until he received further information. "Until we know what the commercial model will be, we can't really comment".

The new Perth Arena is scheduled to be completed in 2009 at a cost of 320 million dollars, with the venue accommodating up to 12,000 people in Basketball mode.