- New super screen ready to wow fans at RAC Arena in time for HoopsFest which tips off this Thursday
- Multifunctional LED display has been installed which includes a 360-degree halo screen, ensuring viewing from every angle
- Upgrades will improve experience for attendees at future RAC Arena events, including basketball, netball, boxing and the upcoming United Cup
A spectacular new super screen is ready to wow fans at RAC Arena in time for Australia's biggest basketball festival, HoopsFest.
The $5 million multifunctional LED display includes a 360-degree halo screen, which stretched for a 50-metre circumference around the centre-hung display, ensuring viewing from every angle with the four convex main screens and additional underbelly.
Enhancements have also been made around the bowl, including the installation of two new ribbon screens on the eastern and western sides above the seating areas, which will provide real-time stats and create additional sponsorship opportunities.
In addition, the project has funded two large screens that can be utilised on the northern and southern sides, particularly for events like the United Cup tennis tournament where the roof may be open.
The screen will debut in time for the opening double-header of the HoopsFest basketball festival this Thursday, 19 September, with the Perth Lynx taking on the Sydney Flames at 4pm before the opening game of the NBL season at 6.30pm - a grand final rematch between Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers.
The Perth Wildcats will get their first taste of the upgraded screen on Friday night as they open their season against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 6.30pm, following the Perth Lynx vs Southside Flyers clash at 4pm.
The previous RAC screen has now been rehomed at HBF Stadium, where it has been repurposed into two flat big screens as part of the $1.6 million of upgrades previously announced by the WA Government.
The venue will be utilised for multiple matches of the HoopsFest event, including the double-header on Saturday, 21 September where the New Zealand Breakers will play the Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans will face off with the Illawarra Hawks.
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.
For more information and last-minute tickets, visit www.hoopsfest.com.au.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This fantastic new multifunctional LED display at RAC Arena is a game changer, enhancing the venue's ability to host world-class events that attract thousands of interstate visitors and boost the local economy.
"Of course, we're particularly excited that this screen is ready in time for Australia's biggest basketball festival, HoopsFest, and we can't wait for basketball fans from around Australia to be the first to enjoy it for the first time.
"With excitement for HoopsFest mounting, it's also worth remembering UFC 305's recent record-breaking success, which again put Perth on the world stage. This new screen promises an even bigger and better experience for events like this at RAC Arena in the future."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"The Perth Wildcats have dominated at RAC Arena, and this incredible new screen will only intensify the formidable atmosphere of 'The Jungle' for visiting teams.
"RAC Arena is now at its peak for HoopsFest, but these upgrades also offer lasting benefits for the Wildcats and West Coast Fever - enhancing fan engagement and attracting new sponsorship opportunities.
"With a world-class arena, we attract even more world-class events like the recent IBF Lightweight World Title Bout and UFC 305. We also look forward to the highly anticipated Australia Diamonds vs New Zealand Silver Ferns clash in October.
"We've also repurposed the former screen into two new big screens at HBF Stadium, another HoopsFest venue that will also host three Perth Lynx games this WNBL season. That's a win not just for basketball in WA, but a financially and environmentally smart solution for all Western Australians."
