- $1.6 million investment means HBF Stadium is ready to welcome the return of NBL games during HoopsFest
- HBF Stadium upgrades ensure a bright future for basketball in WA, with the Perth Lynx to play three games at the venue in the upcoming 2024/25 WNBL season
- Inaugural HoopsFest to take place across four venues in Perth next month with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony confirmed to attend
HBF Stadium is ready to welcome the Australian basketball community following the installation of a new court ahead of HoopsFest, Australia's largest basketball festival, which will take place in Perth this September.
The WA Government has invested $1.6 million in the upgrades, bringing HBF Stadium up to Level 1 FIBA certification and subsequently making the venue suitable for NBL, WNBL, NBL1, and international basketball games, as well as giving the venue the ability to host high-performance netball, volleyball and badminton events.
The Perth Lynx will be one of the first organisations to benefit from these upgrades, playing three games at the 4,000-capacity venue in the upcoming 2024/25 WNBL season.
A brand new timber court designed to withstand varying climate conditions is at the centre of the upgrades, as well as enhanced LED lighting from 500 lux to 2000 lux, new basketball hoops and backboards, and hoists to allow a large scoreboard, which will be installed in time for the festival.
HoopsFest marks the return of NBL basketball to HBF Stadium for the first time since the thrilling 87-86 Perth Wildcats win over the New Zealand Breakers in Game 2 of the 2011/12 NBL Grand Final series.
Over four days from 19 to 22 September, HoopsFest will see five NBL, eight WNBL, and more than 140 U18 Australian Club Championship games played across Perth at RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre, and HBF Arena.
In a major coup for WA, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has been confirmed to attend the inaugural event and will head along to the NBL season opener, while also involving himself in the NBL Next Stars program.
Anthony played for nearly two decades in the NBA across the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, he also won three Olympic gold medals and a bronze.
The festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Western Australia, providing a significant boost to the local tourism and hospitality sectors.
This event adds to WA's growing reputation as a world-class destination for major events, following recent successes such as the sold-out Dolphins vs Roosters NRL game at HBF Park, a near-sellout for the Wallabies vs Springboks game last Saturday at Optus Stadium, and Sunday's sold-out UFC 305 spectacular at RAC Arena.
Fans are urged to lock-in their seats as anticipation grows for Australia's largest basketball festival.
Head to www.hoopsfest.com.auto buy your tickets now.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Excitement is building for the inaugural HoopsFest, and with these upgrades at HBF Stadium, WA is set to become the centre of Australian basketball this September.
"Of course, we know that Western Australians and basketball fans right across the country love their NBA, so having a name like Carmelo Anthony associated with this event is a huge coup.
"Carmelo adds to the stellar HoopsFest lineup of Sneakerland, a fan festival, plus of course top-quality basketball across four venues in Perth, so it really is going to be the biggest weekend of basketball we've ever seen.
"This event not only boosts our standing as a major event host but also brings significant economic benefits and a vibrant atmosphere to our local community."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Seeing the brand new court at HBF Stadium, ready for both HoopsFest and to host the Perth Lynx this upcoming WNBL season, only adds to the anticipation of the next few weeks and months.
"The Perth Wildcats have a proud history and 10 seasons of their 31-year play-off streak were played at this venue, so I'm sure many will jump at the chance to see NBL basketball make its return here.
"With the Lynx set to play three games here, alongside the NBL action during HoopsFest, we're truly showcasing Perth's world-class sports infrastructure."
As stated by Nedlands MLA Katrina Stratton:
"This investment is a testament to our commitment to supporting basketball and women's sport in WA.
"Not only is this a win for local basketball, it is a win for our wider sporting community with the venue now able to host high-performance netball, volleyball and badminton events as well, thanks to our investment."
