Fans flock to historic NBA open training

Almost 11,000 hoops fans flocked into Rod Laver Arena on Thursday for the New Orleans Pelicans' historic open training session.

The event, which also featured a Q&A with NBA legends Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, was the fans' first chance to see their heroes, such as two-time NBA All-Star Zion Williamson and NBA champion Jordan Poole, and watch an official training session of an NBA team, all part of the first-ever Melbourne Series.

During their time on the court, the Pelicans finalised preparations for their matches against Melbourne United (Friday) and the South East Melbourne Phoenix (Sunday).

"The people in the crowd today gave us a lot of energy, and I'm really excited to put on a show for them," Pelicans star Trey Murphy III said.

"[At these kinds of events] I also like to get the fans involved and get them hyped for our [upcoming] games. It means a lot to see so many Pelicans jerseys in the crowd too."

Other events on Thursday included a mascot shoot-out in the NBA Fan Zone (Bounce Nation), a show by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and a performance by Aussie hip-hop artists, Bliss N Eso.

A new ticket release for the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series is selling fast for two games at Rod Laver Arena, against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

>> CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS

Events to come:

- NBAxNBL Fan Zone (Bounce Nation) - Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5 at Rod Laver Arena.
- NBAxNBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6pm AEST: A showcase event with player performances, basketball challenges, live entertainment and more.
- Southern Tip-Off Louisiana Luncheon – Sunday, October 5, 2pm AEDT: An exclusive lunch at Centrepiece, while listening to two-time NBA Champion and ten-time All-Star Ray Allen, 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett, six-time NBL MVP Andrew Gaze, and Olympic silver medallist Michele Timms.

The games

- Game 1 – New Orleans Pelicans vs Melbourne United - Friday, October 3, 2025 - 7.30pm AEST
- Game 2 – New Orleans Pelicans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix - Sunday, October 5, 2025 - 2pm AEDT

>> CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS