Illawarra Hawks fans already reeling from a disastrous on-court campaign and the early exit of American sensation LaMelo Ball have been left stunned after the final home game of the season was sensationally called off mid-match due to a leaking roof at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
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The Hawks were deep in the third quarter of their Indigenous round clash with the New Zealand Breakers when the heavens opened up above Wollongong, sending a torrential downpour through the city.
With three minutes remaining, Hawks players pointed out water pooled at the southern end of the court. Play was immediately stopped while venue staff scrambled to identify the source of the leak and plug it.
However, the match was abandoned 40 minutes later due to fears for player safety.
The match was being broadcast nationally on SBS at the time and attracted scathing criticism from commentators.
Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery was not at the game but was apprised of the incident a short time later.
Speaking to the Mercury on Sunday evening, Cr Bradbery described the situation as "highly embarrassing" for the city and placed the blame squarely at the feet of the NSW Government.
He said he had been pushing for an overhaul of the venue ever since he became a councillor and as recently as last Thursday, was told there was no funds available to upgrade the tired building.
"We've been pleading for the refurbishment to be done for ages," he said.
"This just highlights the continued neglect of the centre.
"One of the most basic needs for a building is a secure, dry shelter from rain - a working roof is essential."
Cr Bradbery said he would bring an urgent motion to Monday night's council meeting calling for an immediate and renewed push for the upgrades to go ahead.
The cost of a refurbishment to bring the building up to standard, which would include disabled access upgrades and updated amenities, is estimated to be about $70 million, Cr Bradbery said.
Meanwhile, Wollongong state Labor MP Paul Scully, who was at the game, told the Mercury he would be taking the issue up with the Berejiklian government and the CEO of Venues NSW.
He said Wollongong deserved better.
"I am angry and embarrassed that the Hawks game had to be abandoned," he said.
"This is the result of a decade without investment under the current government."
Venues NSW CEO Paul Doorn apologised on behalf of the WEC on Sunday evening.
"Today's severe storm caused an unexpected minor roof leak above the basketball court of WIN Entertainment Centre," he said.
"The game was cancelled to ensure the safety of the Hawks and NZ Breakers players. We apologise for the disruption the unexpected turn of events caused.
"We will investigate the issue and work to resolve it as soon as possible."