Western Australia is set to deliver the ultimate fusion of basketball, music, culture, entertainment and style at HoopsFest – a celebration like no other.
A first of its kind, the multi-day extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable festival featuring all NBL and WNBL teams together in the same place at the same time for Round One of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Season, a Cygnett WNBL Tournament, the Foot Locker U18 Australian Club Championships, an interactive fan zone, the world-famous Sneakerland exhibition, as well as music, food and loads of other entertainment.
For the first time in history, it’s all been combined to create an experience unlike any other. With basketball family tickets starting at just $25 (adults), $9 (kids), and $60 (family), HoopsFest is the best value entertainment in Perth during the school holidays. All NBL and WNBL fans, in addition to basketball participants across the Basketball Australia network, are eligible for basketball family pre-sale access and discounted pricing.
“HoopsFest is the first of its kind and is set to be the biggest and best weekend in the sport’s history, and we are thrilled to bring it to life for the first time in Perth,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.
“HoopsFest will have a significant impact well beyond the court. Attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout Perth, including an interactive fan zone, community engagements, live music, a new and exciting match-day experience that is different to a regular match, and more. It will be an unforgettable experience and it’s guaranteed to create lifelong memories for all that attend”.
“The power of basketball will be on display at HoopsFest, helping foster an unmatched atmosphere that only our sport can generate when all elements of the game are united. In just one day, fans will be able to cheer on their favourite NBL and WNBL teams, meet their heroes at the fan zone, look at some of the world’s rarest and sought after shoes at Sneakerland, and become immersed in the world of basketball”.
Fans can pre-register their interest for tickets now at Hoopsfest.com.au, with tickets, at the best rate, to the basketball family on sale from Friday, May 31, and general public tickets on sale from Tuesday, June 4.
“Tickets are sure to go fast, so we encourage all fans to pre-register their interest to ensure they don’t miss out on an extraordinary weekend,” Stevenson added.
It will be a basketball bonanza in Perth, with 13 NBL and WNBL games and 140 U18 Australian Club Championship games across the blockbuster schedule.
It all tips off with the re-match of the memorable and history-making NBL Championship Series on Thursday, September 19, when Melbourne United face the Tasmania JackJumpers at RAC Arena. The hometown Perth Wildcats will battle the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday night, with other matches including New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks, and Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings.
The WNBL Tournament will be vital as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Eight games will be played, with hometown team Perth Lynx taking on the Sydney Flames and Southside Flyers. It will also mark Geelong United’s first WNBL appearance.
The future of Australian basketball will also be on display during the U18 Australian Club Championships, with 40 men’s and women’s teams battling it out for the ultimate crown. Fans won’t want to miss their chance to watch the next generation live, with players on NBA and WNBA radars, along with future NBL and WNBL stars, gracing the court. The U18 Australian Club Championships will start on Tuesday, September 17.
“I’ve always been a believer in the power of unity and collaboration, and it’s been a major goal of ours to bring the entire basketball community together,” Stevenson added.
“I want to thank the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA for their wonderful support in helping us make that dream a reality, and we will create basketball history”.
“That gratitude also extends to Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven, who has played a significant role in bringing HoopsFest to life”.
Sneakerland is the biggest sneaker convention in Australia, where the culture of basketball comes to life, with some of the world’s most sought-after sneakers on display and on sale. The fan zone will be a must-visit for fans, with appearances from their favourite players, live music, and entertainment set to light up the Perth CBD.
“Western Australia has a long, proud and successful basketball history, so we’re very excited to be hosting this inaugural event,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA.
“We, of course, know the huge benefits hosting events like this bring to our State, attracting thousands of out-of-state visitors, injecting millions of dollars into our local economy and creating a fantastic atmosphere for our local community”.
“Western Australians love their basketball, so this announcement is a huge win for our community and I have no doubt we’ll see plenty of locals turning out to show their support for this fantastic event,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. David Templeman MLA.
“HoopsFest is a powerful moment of unity for the game of basketball in Australia. It’s fitting that Perth, one of Australia’s strongest basketball cities, will set the foundation for this exciting new tradition,” Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, said.
“Australia is a basketball powerhouse with our culture, players and our representative teams garnering respect across the world. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that the future of basketball is centred in collaboration and empowering all levels of the game”.
“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the country, with millions of fans right across Australia. Bringing the entire sport together in this way, from NBL to WNBL, grassroots to juniors and professionals, will help us showcase the strength of our game,” Stevenson continued.
“Perth is home to one of the most passionate fanbases with the Wildcats’ Red Army, and we look forward to fans from all over Australia and internationally joining them for an unforgettable time”.
