Although the $16.4 million centre has been opened for 17 months and has hosted various other sporting competitions it was the first time top-flight basketball has been played at the complex.

For Mr Martin, it was the culmination of more than 40 years to see such a first-class complex established in the Shoalhaven.

And the Tiger men didn't disappoint, sweeping the floor of the new John Martin Showcourt with the Springwood Scorchers, 71-61 to christen the complex with a first-up win.

However, it wasn't all relaxation for Mr Martin as he also undertook his role as referee instructor with Basketball NSW competitions, casting an eye over the officiating referees and passing on advice.

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He said he was "proud" to see his beloved Tigers hit the court at the new facility at the highest level.

"It's been a long time coming, with COVID etc last year was called off, so it's great to see our Shoalhaven teams back on the court," he said.

He admitted there were definitely times in his battle for such a complex, which he has been one of the driving forces behind since the mid-1980s, that he thought it "might never happen".

"I'd hate to think how many council meetings or briefings I have attended over the years," he laughed.

"I've been to so many I could run a council meeting now, I certainly know the procedures.

"But yes there were times I thought this might never happen.

"Without former Mayor Paul Green taking up the impetus and then big support from Jo Gash and Greg Watson I don't think it would have got a start.

"But it's great to see it here and up and running."

He said it is a lot different to the times in the old Tigers Den.

"The place doesn't seem to have the same atmosphere as the old Den down the bottom," he said.

"But it will get there - it will need a few games and crowds for that to happen.

"It's starting to get there - the flags and championship banners are now up and on display and that's a good start.

"It's different to the old Tigers Den - you're not as close to the court, the seats are further back - there is more space and we have all the new electronic stuff we didn't have in the old building. There are new and better backboards and rings, new sound systems etc. It's got a great big car park so we don't have to park out on the street anymore.

"It will just take a bit of a while to develop that feeling and atmosphere but that will happen.

"It would be great to build it into like a fortress venue.

"We just need to get the crowds there to make that happen."

Not one for sitting on his laurels, and in true John Martin fashion he now has his sights set on getting the former Tigers Den's complex and its two courts upgraded, which would mean six courts on the site and be in consideration for holding major NSW and national events.

"To host major events throughout NSW or Australia now, you need six courts," he said.

"We have the chance to create something very special here. Something that would allow us to host those big state and national events."

He said throughout the state there is a move for a number of other locations to expand their facilities with Griffith building five new courts, as well as renovating its two current courts; Moss Vale is getting four new courts; Dubbo five indoor and five outdoor courts; three courts at Cooma; and plans to build a six court complex at Wollongong.

"Four courts just aren't big enough to host those big events anymore," he said.

"If we can undertake a redevelopment of the old Den, which has been promised by council, we are on the way to achieving that."

The Tigers will be back in action on Saturday, May 1 with a doubleheader for the youth league and men's teams against St George from 4pm and 6pm.

And there is plenty of other top-level basketball action planned - the NSW Country under 18s championships on June 11-12-13; round two of the Southern NSW Junior League (May 2) and the finals at the end of that month; as well as the Barrengarry League competitions and normal competitions.

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