The forthcoming HoopsFest in Perth, scheduled for September 2024, represents a groundbreaking event for the Australian basketball community. This unprecedented multi-day extravaganza, supported by the Western Australian Government and Basketball Australia, will encompass a wide array of basketball-related activities and events, including NBL and WNBL games, the under-18 Australian Club Championships, the Sneakerland convention, and various fan activations.
Set to take place from September 19 to 22, 2024, the HoopsFest will be hosted across several prestigious venues in Perth, such as the RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, and the Bendat Basketball Centre. The event will kick off with the opening round of the 2024-25 NBL season, where all teams will convene in Perth to compete in a single game over the course of the week. A highly anticipated highlight includes the 2024 Championship Series rematch between Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United, scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at RAC Arena.
RAC Arena, serving as the home of the Perth Wildcats, will host various NBL games during the event, alongside HBF Stadium. The Wildcats are scheduled to play their first game of the regular season on Friday, September 20, facing the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
NBL CEO David Stevenson expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking event, describing HoopsFest as a historic milestone in the sport’s history. The extravaganza will also feature a WNBL Tournament comprising eight games, as well as the under-18 Australian Club Championships showcasing 40 men’s and women’s teams, providing a platform for young basketball talents to shine.
The event’s unifying impact on the basketball community was underscored by Stevenson, who extended his gratitude to the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA. He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven in bringing HoopsFest to fruition.
The significant economic and social impact of the event on Western Australia is anticipated to be substantial, according to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA. The influx of visitors and revenue, as well as the creation of a vibrant atmosphere in the local community, were highlighted as key benefits of hosting events of this calibre.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. David Templeman MLA, echoed these sentiments, underlining the local community’s excitement for this significant sporting event.
The upcoming HoopsFest promises to deliver a remarkable showcase of basketball talent, fostering an unparalleled atmosphere and sense of unity. The event’s jam-packed lineup of NBL and WNBL games over the four-day period is poised to provide an enthralling experience for fans, celebrating the spirit of the sport and marking a milestone in Australian basketball history. As anticipation and excitement continue to build leading up to the event, it is clear that the HoopsFest will be a transformative and unforgettable addition to the Australian basketball calendar.