HoopsFest has exceeded all expectations, with the inaugural event described as an “outstanding success” by NBL CEO David Stevenson.
The Western Australian community and interstate travellers flocked to HoopsFest, with Friday’s WNBL/NBL double-header at RAC Arena sold-out, following a capacity crowd on Thursday.
That momentum continued across the weekend, with strong attendances.
Fans watched WNBL teams compete, while the stars of tomorrow were on display at the U18 Australian Club Championships and NBA Basketball Without Borders camp, while basketball culture was on show at Sneakerland.
NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Kenny Smith, along with tennis star Nick Kyrgios, were courtside for the Thursday and Friday matches and were embedded in all things HoopsFest throughout the week.
“There is no other way to put it, HoopsFest has been an outstanding success and an overwhelming celebration of all things basketball and it was even bigger and better than we imagined,” Stevenson said.
“The support from the fans has been sensational; they have embraced all elements of HoopsFest and made the event something truly special and one we will never forget.
“None of this would be possible without the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA. Their support has been phenomenal and we thank them for making HoopsFest so special.”
“WA has a long, proud and successful basketball history with the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, so it’s hardly a surprise that West Aussies turned out in their thousands across the four days to be part of this fantastic event,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti.
“Of course, not only was HoopsFest a great celebration of all things basketball, it's been yet another opportunity to showcase Western Australia as an incredible tourism destination and a leading host of major events.”
“HoopsFest has been a phenomenal success showcasing the very best of basketball from Australia’s emerging athletes to world-class elite players together in one city for the first time,” Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven said.
“The growth of basketball is unprecedented and thanks to the support of the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA events like HoopsFest will only continue to elevate the sport.”
