Wollongong Entertainment Centre
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Wollongong Entertainment Centre (also known by its naming rights sponsor WIN Entertainment Centre and colloquially as the WEC) is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
The WEC / The Sandpit | |
Former names | Wollongong Entertainment Centre |
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Location | Corner of Crown & Harbour Streets, Wollongong, NSW 2520 |
Coordinates | 34°25′36″S 150°54′10″E |
Owner | Venues NSW |
Capacity | Basketball: 6,000[1] Concerts: 5,000 Reduced mode: 1,000–3,000 |
Record attendance | 5,839 – 18 February 2005, Wollongong Hawks vs Sydney Kings NBL |
Surface | Customisable |
Construction | |
Opened | 5 September 1998 |
Architect | NSW Government Architect |
Tenants | |
Illawarra Hawks (NBL) (1998–present) |
The WEC opened on 5 September 1998 with a concert by Bob Dylan and Patti Smith; 4,935 people attended the event. Dylan performed at the venue again in 2011, performing to a crowd of 3,214 people, and again in 2018. The venue has played host to concerts by many nationally and internationally renowned performers including Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran,Guy Sebastian,John Farnham,Tina Arena, Pink,Delta Goodrem and The Wiggles performing in early 2010s with some still performing at this venue present day .
The arena is 3 minutes walk from the city centre and has hosted a variety of events including Federation Cup tennis, world championship boxing and international musical acts.
Every year the WIN Entertainment Centre holds the Wakakirri Story Dance Wollongong heat, Southern Stars and also a variety of concerts and expos.
The building was designed by the New South Wales Government Architect.