Darwin’s reputation as an exciting sports events destination continues to grow with the National Basketball League (NBL) choosing the Northern Territory capital as the location for its 2022 NBL Blitz pre-season tournament.
It is the first time the tournament will take place in Darwin, with all 10 NBL teams set to head to the Top End in September to take part.
Combined, the teams will play a total of 15 games during the pre-season tournament, which is famous for showcasing the skills of future stars of the sport, as well as the biggest stars in Australian basketball.
The tournament is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said it is exciting news for fans of the sport, both interstate and local.
“The Territory is an incredible destination with plenty to offer visitors. With so many games across eight days, it’s the ideal opportunity for interstaters to combine their love of basketball with some unique tourism experiences. The NBL Blitz also gives Territory’s growing legion of basketball fans, thanks to the Darwin Salties, the chance to watch the sport’s best at work,” he said.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the league is excited to be heading to the Top End.
“Darwin is a city filled with passionate sporting fans who are eager to engage and connect with a professional sporting league and they will get to do that during the NBL Blitz. It is always a great carnival of basketball that offers the public the opportunity to get up close to the action and see every one of our 10 teams in full flight ahead of the rest of the country,” he said.
The Blitz returns in its original format after two years of COVID disruptions. As part of the eight-day event, there will also be a 3×3 Pro Hustle tournament at Darwin Waterfront.
Details about tickets, the schedule and broadcast details will be confirmed nearer the time.
