The city of Perth has been awarded the prestigious honor of hosting the inaugural HoopsFest, marking a significant victory for basketball enthusiasts across the nation. Scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 September 2024, this momentous event is poised to be the largest basketball festival in Australia, promising an exhilarating lineup of basketball matches and ancillary activities.
A key feature of HoopsFest is the commencement of the 2024-25 Australian National Basketball League (NBL) season, an occasion that is sure to captivate fans of the sport. In addition, attendees can anticipate the preseason competition for the Women’s NBL, as well as the Under 18s Club Championships showcasing the top 48 teams from around the country. These matches, encompassing both male and female divisions, are scheduled to take place at various reputable sporting venues, including the RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre, and HBF Arena.
Beyond the realm of competitive basketball, HoopsFest will also play host to a variety of engaging events, including Sneakerland, Australia’s premier sneaker culture festival. Furthermore, spectators can indulge in the vibrant ambiance of the official HoopsFest Fan Festival at Forrest Place, offering an array of musical and entertainment performances, accompanied by street basketball exhibitions.
The potential impact of this momentous basketball extravaganza is significant, with HoopsFest expected to draw a substantial number of visitors from other states to Western Australia. This influx of visitors is anticipated to yield a notable upswing in the local tourism and hospitality sector, thereby stimulating economic activity within the region.
In the words of Rita Saffioti, Minister for Tourism, “Western Australia has a long-standing and prestigious history in the realm of basketball, courtesy of the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx. Consequently, we are thrilled to have the privilege of hosting this inaugural event. This occasion presents yet another opportunity to showcase Western Australia as a premier tourism destination and a leading host of major events. The substantial benefits that events such as this bestow upon our state are abundantly clear, attracting thousands of out-of-state visitors, infusing millions of dollars into our local economy, and generating a dynamic atmosphere for our community.”
Likewise, David Templeman, Minister for Sport and Recreation, iterated, “The people of Western Australia possess a profound passion for basketball, and as such, the announcement of HoopsFest is a monumental triumph for our community. I am confident that we will witness a strong turnout from locals, demonstrating fervent support for this exceptional event. By electing to host HoopsFest in Perth, we not only underscore the impressive tourism and sports infrastructure of Western Australia but also establish our state as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
Backed by the resolute support of the Western Australian Government, HoopsFest is poised to be a resounding success. Enthusiasts of basketball and aficionados of major events alike are urged to remain updated and secure event tickets via the official website at https://nbl.com.au/.
As such, it is imperative to mark your calendars, as HoopsFest promises to offer an unmissable celebration of basketball, culture, and entertainment right in the heart of Perth.