The Australian Sports Commission has scrapped plans to radically transform the AIS Arena into a 'Volleydome' after deciding to keep the stadium as a multi-purpose venue.
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Fairfax Media can reveal the commission board has told the ACT government the AIS Arena will be available for "business as usual" use after deliberating on its future for the past seven months.
The board was considering a range of proposals for Canberra's premier indoor venue, including using it as a specialised volleyball high performance centre.
Some of the proposals would have robbed the capital of a stadium capable of hosting concerts, gala dinners and exhibitions as well as international basketball, netball and futsal.
The commission is still facing pressure to reinvent its high performance programs and facilities after Australia's lowest medal tally in 24 years at the Rio Olympic Games last year.
There is an ongoing strategic review, which includes an overview of all assets, to find the best way for the AIS to assist the development of sporting programs.
It will likely fit into a national sport plan, which could be funded by a national lottery as the commission gathers data for future ideas until the end of July. The national sport plan could be finalised as early as August.
But the 35-year-old AIS Arena will remain in its current state, paving the way for the Australian Boomers and Opals basketball teams to play in the capital.
"The [commission] realises the importance and value of the AIS Arena as an all-sport venue and to the ACT community, so it will continue to operate business-as-usual for a variety of events," a spokesperson said.
"There are well established training facilities for Volleyball Australia programs at the AIS. The [commission] is having ongoing discussions with volleyball about how to further support their high performance training needs at the AIS."
The Canberra Capitals were the No. 1 tennant at the AIS Arena for WNBL games, but have shifted home games to a new $250,000 court at the National Convention Centre.
The Australian Diamonds netball team will play against South Africa at the AIS Arena on August 30, while Volleyball Australia will host a men's world championship qualifier next month.
There are also a range of functions and concerts, including Alice Cooper and Midnight Oil, already locked in for later this year.
ACT sport minister Yvette Berry said: "We welcome the news that the Australian Sports Commission has decided to remain with existing arrangements and continue to provide the full range of events and activities currently on offer at AIS Arena.
"Our position has always been that we would like to see AIS Arena continue as a as a multi-use events venue with its current offering which includes concerts, indoor sports expos and more.
"We are pleased the [commission] has taken our feedback on board with their decision not to convert AIS Arena into a centre of volleyball excellence."
