Some big news for local basketball fans, with the NBL today announcing its massive pre-season tournament will be held right here on the Gold Coast.
The NBL Blitz will hit the city this year, taking over the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 16-22.
The tournament will showcase all of the new faces, player signings and arguably the most talented group of Next Stars ever seen.
“The Blitz on the Gold Coast will be the biggest and best event we’ve ever hosted in the lead-up to a season, there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.
“We promise to deliver world-class basketball and family-friendly entertainment, and are delighted to be staging the Blitz on the Gold Coast.”
It will also give the Gold Coast the rare opportunity to push for its very own NBL team, with the city still in the mix to join an expanded competition next year.
“The Gold Coast is one of many cities in our expansion considerations,” Mr Stevenson admitted.
“Gold Coast fans now have the chance to vote with their feet and turn up to the games, and show us why they deserve a team”.
As well as providing ample entertainment, the tournament is also expected to deliver a significant economic boost to the region.
“It’s terrific that the Gold Coast’s basketball-loving community will get the opportunity to see the NBL’s best emerging and established stars, light up the courts over an entire week in September,” Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.
“It will also provide a boost for the local economy with more than 20,000 fans expected to visit, with many to stay on and take the opportunity to experience the region and the state’s amazing tourism attractions.”
General public tickets go on sale on Friday, July 28, on Ticketek.
