The NBL1 East community is abuzz with anticipation as the inaugural Blitz event is announced to take place on the 23rd and 24th of March at the Maitland Federation Centre. This marks a significant milestone for basketball fans, promising an exciting start to the 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East season.
The Blitz tournament is poised to be a spectacle, featuring a showcase of new talents, player signings, and providing teams with the perfect platform to commence their campaigns on a high note. Fans can expect thrilling matches as teams vie for early-season dominance before the official season tips-off on April 6th.
One of the primary advantages of the Blitz is the chance for clubs to engage in competitive matchups against other NBL1 teams. These fully timed and officiated games provide valuable game practice and help players & officials fine-tune their fitness levels ahead of the season kick-off.
Basketball NSW, Senior Manager: Competitions & Leagues, Chanelle Bailey conveyed her enthusiasm for the start of the 2024 season to begin with the introduction of an east version of the Blitz.
“We are very excited to facilitate the first NBL1 East Blitz in Maitland as it is the first time fans will be able to see how their team lines up and get them excited for the season ahead,” said Bailey.
“Currently we have teams set to take the court which will result in 22 games slated for the weekend, with each team playing two games.”
“Maitland Basketball Association has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedication, and eagerly anticipate delivering a spectacular event alongside them, with the aspiration of establishing this as an annual highlight on the basketball calendar.”
During the weekend, each team will be able to attend integrity sessions run by Basketball Australia as well as fulfil media commitments for the NBL1 East season.
This preseason tournament will also be a stepping stone for officials to begin their season as more than 20 referees will be in attendance. It will also serve as an opportunity for younger referees to officiate their first NBL1 game with more experienced referees acting as mentors. There will also be workshops and education opportunities for officials during the two days delivered by Basketball NSW.
Maitland Basketball Association, Competitions Manager, Amy McGregor included that her association is very excited to host the inaugural event and is proud to offer fans the opportunity to witness some first-class basketball.
“The NBL1 East Blitz is happening for the first time ever and it is fantastic that the Maitland Mustangs get to host this event”, added McGregor.
“Basketball in Maitland is growing at such a rapid pace and our fans are some of the best in the league, we are constantly at capacity throughout the season. Hosting the inaugural NBL1 East Blitz will give our fans an opportunity to watch the best men and women from the league over one weekend.”
“For the visiting teams and their supporters we hope they embrace the opportunity to explore Maitland and all our city has to offer. Both our Mens and Women’s teams had outstanding 2023 seasons and our coaches have the squads ready for bigger and better results in 2024. So at the blitz, teams playing our Mustangs need to come prepared for a stampede.”
Maitland’s canteen will be open throughout the weekend, and some of our partners are planned to be on-site to provide product offerings for the public.
The two-day event is open to the public with tickets set to be on sale at a later date along with the schedule, so come down and support your association, get a glimpse into your team’s line-up, take a photo with your favourite player, and watch the talent on the court.
Don’t forget to dress in your team’s colours to show your support.
For media wanting to attend, please contact celine.shashati@bnsw.com.au .
Teams participating in the Blitz:
Men
- Central Coast Crusaders
- Hills Hornets
- Hornsby Ku Ring Gai Spiders
- Illawarra Hawks
- Inner West Bulls
- Maitland Mustangs
- Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
- NBA Global Academy
- Newcastle Falcons
- Penrith Panthers
- Sutherland Sharks
- Sydney Comets
Women
- Hornsby Ku Ring Gai Spiders
- Illawarra Hawks
- Inner West Bulls
- Maitland Mustangs
- Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
- Newcastle Falcons
- Norths Bears
- Penrith Panthers
- Sutherland Sharks
- Sydney Comets