Industry News

More than 55,000 registered for USAvAus basketball

More than 55,000 fans have registered on the waiting list for tickets to see the USA men’s basketball team play the Australian Boomers in the first 24 hours of sales.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews MP announced that the teams would face-off in a pre-FIBA World Cup series in Melbourne, Australia next year.

The matches will be played at Etihad Stadium on August 22 and August 24, 2019 as part of both nations’ planned preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

As the event promoter, TEG opened a waiting list for general tickets and commenced sales of a limited number of corporate hospitality packages, with tickets officially going on sale in July.

“This is the one Australian basketball fans have been waiting for, and there’s no better place to host the USA team than in the sporting capital of the country – Victoria,” said Andrews.

TEG chief executive Geoff Jones said the ticket on sale was subject to a final venue configuration and seating map as Etihad Stadium is hosting basketball for the first time.

“Our mission is to provide affordable tickets that are accessible to the real fans,” said Jones. “The benefit of hosting these games in a stadium is that we can offer a wide range of categories and prices to suit every type of fan.

“A court-side seat will carry a premium, but there will be many tickets at very affordable prices that will start from around $69.”

Work on the final venue configuration will include a technical and logistical inspection tour of an NCAA basketball event in the USA, where the Final Four tournament is staged in major event stadiums each year.

“This historic two-game series will showcase many of the world’s best players and will leave an enduring legacy for basketball in Australia,” said Jones.

“We knew there would be massive interest and the wait list numbers reflect the huge demand. It is exciting to imagine the atmosphere at Etihad Stadium with over 100,000 fans for the two games.”

Image: Invincible