By James Palumbo
| A basketball bonanza is set to hit WA. CC ND James Palumbo |
Western Australia continues to prove itself as a hotspot for major events with a festival of basketball set to hit the state this month. The National Basketball League’s HoopsFest will open the league’s 2024/25 season and will run in Perth from September 19–22. It is the league’s take on the AFL and NRL’s Gather and Magic Round.
Over the course of the four days, there will be 140 U18 Australian Club Championship games, 13 NBL and WNBL games, and many other events for basketball fans to engage with. Locals may even be able to bump shoulders with an NBA Legend, with future NBA hall of famer and current NBL ambassador Carmelo Anthony set to be in attendance for this event.
This basketball bonanza joins the long list of top end sporting events to grace WA shores in 2024 with the UFC 305, the WWE Elimination Chamber, the HSBC Rugby sevens and the Wallabies and Springboks all heading west so far this year.
| HoopsFest Signs are spread throughout the city. CC ND James Palumbo |
Basketball WA participation officer Jessie Goodluck said hosting an event like this would benefit basketball in Western Australia for years to come.
The Cook Labor Government made a $36.6 million tourism investment in the 2024–25 State Budget to boost WA’s ability to land major events.
A spokesperson from Tourism WA said: “We believe WA is the most beautiful place in the world and we are extremely excited for the basketball world to descend on Perth. We expect this event to attract many people from not just Australia, but around the world.”
| RAC Arena Perth, where some of the games will be played. CC ND James Palumbo |
In a recent press conference Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said hosting the event will be a major boost for WA: “Excitement is building for the inaugural HoopsFest, and with these upgrades at HBF Stadium, WA is set to become the centre of Australian basketball this September.
“This event not only boosts our standing as a major event host but also brings significant economic benefits and a vibrant atmosphere to our local community.”
The games begin on Saturday September 19 with an NBL grand final rematch between Melbourne United and defending champions the Tasmania JackJumpers, while the local side, Perth Wildcats, are set to tip-off their season on the same day. Both games are taking place at the RAC Arena.
Categories: General