Perth to host inaugural HoopsFest basketball bonanza

Perth Wildcats host South East Melbourne Phoenix in a Friday night blockbuster at RAC Arena on September 20.

It's the second leg of a NBL/WNBL double-header, with Perth Lynx kicking things off against Southside Flyers at 4pm.

It will be a basketball bonanza in Perth, with 13 NBL and WNBL games, and 140 U18 Australian Club Championship games, to be played across the blockbuster schedule which has been likened to the AFL's Gather Round.

It's set to be 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 U18 Australian Club Championships, an interactive fan zone, the world famous Sneakerland exhibition, as well as music, food and loads of other entertainment.

 “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 pre-sale 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. 

Wildcats members will be eligible for the HoopsFest ticket pre-sale period and 10 per cent off ticket prices for all games during Hoopsfest, including the WNBL/NBL double header at RAC Arena on Friday 20 September where the Wildcats will play the SE Melbourne Phoenix.

Please note Hoopsfest games are not included in 24-25 Wildcats membership entitlements. More information will be provided ahead of the Hoopsfest pre-sale period to Wildcats members.

HOOPSFEST SCHEDULE - NBL Round One and WNBL Tournament

Thursday 19 September

(WNBL) Perth Lynx v Sydney Uni Flames, 4pm, RAC Arena

(NBL) Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers, 6:30pm, RAC Arena 

(WNBL) Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals, 5pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium 

(WNBL) Townsville Fire v Geelong United, 7:30pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Friday 20 September

(WNBL) Southside Flyers v Perth Lynx, 4pm, RAC Arena

(NBL) Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix, 6:30pm, RAC Arena 

(WNBL) Sydney Uni Flames v Adelaide Lightning, 5pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium 

(WNBL) Bendigo Spirit v Townsville Fire, 7:30pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Saturday 21 September

(NBL) New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets, 4pm, HBF Stadium

(NBL) Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks, 6:30pm, HBF Stadium

(WNBL) Adelaide Lightning v Southside Flyers, 5pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium 

(WNBL) Canberra Capitals v Geelong United, 7:30pm, Bendat Basketball Stadium

Sunday 22 September

(NBL) Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings, 12:30pm, RAC Arena