Bendigo basketball fans get front row seat for the boomers

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

The Allan Labor Government is bringing the excitement of Australian Boomers basketball to regional fans, with an announcement that the Boomers will face South Korea in Bendigo for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifying game. The game is scheduled to take place at the Red Energy Arena on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, and is made possible through the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund, facilitated by Visit Victoria.

Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos highlighted the significance of this regional event, emphasizing that it provides local fans in Bendigo with the opportunity to witness the Australian Boomers in action on home soil. The announcement comes after the success of the Boomers’ last game in Bendigo in August the previous year, where they secured a victory against Iran in front of enthusiastic supporters.

Bendigo has a strong basketball culture and has produced notable players like Dyson Daniels, who currently plays in the NBA and represents Australia internationally. The upcoming game is expected to showcase Bendigo and the Goldfields to a global audience through international broadcasts, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a basketball hub.

The Regional Events Fund, in operation since 2016, has supported over 350 events across the state, attracting visitors to regional Victoria and contributing to local economies. The Bendigo event is seen as an opportunity to boost tourism, create jobs, and support businesses in the region.

Australia, as the defending champion of the Asia Cup, has won the last two championships in 2017 and 2022. The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifying game in Bendigo adds to the legacy of Australian basketball and provides fans with an exciting sporting spectacle.

Tickets for the Boomers’ Bendigo game are set to go on sale on December 20 through Ticketek, allowing fans to secure their front-row seats for the action. Members of the Bendigo community, including local representatives Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, expressed their enthusiasm for hosting an official FIBA qualifying event, highlighting the excitement it brings to basketball fans in the region.

Australian Boomers Head Coach Brian Goorjian expressed his anticipation for playing at home, emphasizing the unique and uplifting experience of competing in front of a passionate crowd. Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven acknowledged Bendigo’s basketball legacy, pointing out its contribution to producing international basketball stars and its well-equipped stadium meeting FIBA standards for hosting such prestigious games. The event promises to be a celebration of basketball in Bendigo, bringing together the local community and international sporting enthusiasts.

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