The City of Greater Bendigo will be the home of the Foot Locker U16 National Championships over the next two years with the first instalment hitting Red Energy Arena from 6 – 14 July.
Taking the U16 National Championships to Bendigo aligns with Basketball Australia’s commitment to regional connections across the country. Bendigo continues to thrive as a basketball town and provided the foundation for New Orleans Pelicans star Dyson Daniels.
This tournament could kick start the career of the next big thing in Australia.
“Basketball Australia is excited to take the Foot Locker U16 National Championships to Bendigo for the next two years. Hosting in Regional Victoria is always a beneficial opportunity and Bendigo love their basketball so this Championships should provide some great games for all,” said Sarah Monck, Basketball Australia’s – Competitions Manager.
“Greater Bendigo is delighted to host the U16 Championships at our top-class Red Energy Arena in 2024 and 2025. Basketball has a huge following in Greater Bendigo, so this is an exciting opportunity to see our country’s future talent on show,” said City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis.
Strong audiences are expected for the U16 National Championships which provides the first opportunity for players across the country to represent their State or Territory.
“The U16 Championships is the first-time athletes get to represent their State or Territory so it is always interesting to see the next wave of players coming through and you never know if you could be watching the next Boomer or Opals player in the making, said Monck.
“We’re expecting solid crowds at Red Energy Arena and we’re partnering with KommunityTV to deliver every game of the Championships through livestream for audiences across Australia.”
"Red Energy Arena is absolutely thrilled to host the next two years of the Basketball Australia Under 16 National Championships. It's a fantastic opportunity to be able to provide a platform for young athletes to shine on a national stage. Red Energy Arena can't wait to welcome teams from across the country and create unforgettable experiences for players, coaches, officials, and fans alike,” said Nicole Mcnamara Head of Events, Red Energy Arena, Bendigo Stadium Ltd.
The Under 16 National Championships will commence with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday 6 July followed by opening fixtures featuring Victoria Country verses New South Wales Country in the Girls division and Victoria Country verses Tasmania in the Boys division.
The fixtures will continue from Sunday 7 July running for a week until Sunday 14 July. Full fixture and tickets will go on sale Monday 24 June, with all games being played at Red Energy Arena, Bendigo.
