Council and CQUniversity announce 2017 NBL Pre-Season Showdown
Published on 23 August 2017
Rockhampton Regional Council along with CQUniversity Australia and Rockhampton Basketball are proud to announce the return of the NBL pre-season showdown.
The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans will go up against the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday 2 September 2017 at CQUniversity’s North Rockhampton Sports Centre.
It marks the third year Rockhampton has hosted the national sporting event, having previously welcomed the Perth Wildcats to the city in 2016 and the Townsville Crocs in 2015.
Rockhampton Region Acting Mayor Councillor Cherie Rutherford said hosting the event for the third time is a real coup for the local sporting calendar and further bolsters the growth of the event.
“The NBL is a fantastic drawcard for our Region with the finest basketball players in our country playing right here in our home town for our local community,” Cr Rutherford said.
“With the collaboration between Council, CQUniversity and Rockhampton Basketball, it’s proof that we have the capability to host national sporting events of this caliber with the support of big crowds and national-standard facilities.”
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said he was looking forward to the battle of the Queenslanders.
“The Cairns Taipans partnership is one we’re extremely proud of and brings with it many opportunities for community engagement and this is just one of the exciting events that we host as a result,” Professor Bowman said.
“The NBL Showdown was a huge success last year and I’m excited to once again have the Taipans here in Rockhampton and look forward to seeing all of their local supporters turn out to the event next month.”
Manager of Rockhampton Basketball Inc. Matt Neason said the showdown was a great way to promote the sport and entice locals to become more involved.
“Increasing participation numbers is a number one priority for Rockhampton basketball and the Showdown is just another way of promoting how great the sport is. It’s also exciting for our best local players to watch them play on home ground and be given the opportunity to engage with the professionals while they are here,” Mr Neason said.
Food vans will be on site, and a bar service will also be running. Gates open at 6.30pm with game tip-off at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available at www.cqu.edu.au/nbl.
Tickets: $25 adults, $15 kids and concession card holders.
A number of sideline corporate boxes with full food and beverage service are also available by contacting ceg@cqu.edu.au