about
St Mark’s Lions Arena is a purpose-built community multi-sport court established by St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Preston. Created as a place of recreation, fellowship and connection, the arena provides children, young people, families and adults with a welcoming space to participate in sport, strengthen friendships and enjoy meaningful time together.
The vision for the arena extends beyond sporting activity. It reflects the Parish’s commitment to supporting the physical, social and spiritual wellbeing of its Church family and the wider community. Through friendly matches, organised competitions, youth activities and community gatherings, St Mark’s Lions Arena encourages teamwork, respect, discipline and unity within a positive Christian environment.
A Historic Opening
St Mark’s Lions Arena was officially opened on Saturday, 25 July 2026, marking a historic and joyful occasion in the life of the Parish. The day commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, prayed by His Grace Bishop Rewis, followed by the official opening ceremony.
The Parish was honoured to welcome Ms Lynda Awad, Liberal candidate for Northcote, who attended as the representative of Mr Evan Mulholland MP, Liberal Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, and Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs.
During the ceremony, addresses were delivered by His Grace Bishop Rewis, Very Rev Fr Abanoub Attalla and Ms Lynda Awad. His Grace and Ms Awad then unveiled the commemorative plaque and cut the ceremonial ribbon, before His Grace blessed the arena with holy water. The celebrations continued with soccer and basketball matches for participants of all ages, filling the Parish with fellowship, excitement and gratitude.
Built for the Community
The arena was designed as a flexible and inclusive space that can be enjoyed by people of different ages and abilities. Its completion added a much-needed recreational facility to the Parish grounds and created new opportunities for youth engagement, family activities, sporting programs and community events.
The arena will bring lasting joy to the Parish by providing a place where friendships can grow, families can come together and younger generations can remain actively connected to the life of the Church. Whether through a friendly game, an organised event or a casual afternoon of sport, every gathering at the arena contributes to a stronger and more united community.
Arena Features
St Mark’s Lions Arena measures approximately 21.5 metres by 17.3 metres and has been designed to accommodate soccer, basketball and volleyball. The court features clearly defined and colour-coded playing lines for each sport respectively, allowing the arena to be easily and safely adapted for different activities.
The playing surface is finished with commercial-grade Match Pro 20mm synthetic grass, providing a durable, high-quality and comfortable surface suitable for regular community use. The arena also includes professional-grade basketball systems, soccer goals, a removable volleyball net, four high-powered LED lights for approved evening use, and three-metre perimeter fencing to create a secure and enclosed sporting environment.
Faith, Fellowship and Community
St Mark’s Lions Arena stands as a lasting expression of what can be achieved through faith, generosity and collective service. The project was made possible through the prayers, donations and support of the Parish community, whose commitment transformed the vision into a completed and thriving space.
As generations gather to play, celebrate and grow together, the arena will continue to fulfil its motto:
United in Faith, Strengthened in Fellowship.
