Gold Coast Blitz smashes records

Gold Coast has played host to the biggest and most successful Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz in history, with crowd numbers, interest and engagement at an all-time high for the pre-season tournament.

More than 20,000 fans poured into the Gold Coast Convention Centre, doubling the previous crowd record.

Basketball experts from around the world also attended, with more than 40 NBA scouts from 27 teams at every game. All eyes were on projected top draft picks such as Perth’s Alex Sarr, Cairns’ Bobi Klintman and other young Next Stars.

Blitz content surged toward seven million impressions across social media, with local, national, and international organisations all reporting on the revamped event.

NBL App and website traffic increased by around 90 per cent compared to last year.

Players from all 10 teams also made an imprint on the Gold Coast community through a range of appearances and activations.

“This year’s NBL Blitz was undoubtedly the biggest and best we have ever staged,” NBL CEO, David Stevenson, said.

“The engagement, interest and genuine excitement on the Gold Coast was palpable and evident through fantastic crowds and energy inside the Convention Centre every night.

“It’s no secret Gold Coast is a city of interest in our expansion conversations and the Blitz has done no harm to the city’s hopes of re-entering the NBL.

“I want to thank City of Gold Coast, the Queensland Government, and Major Events Gold Coast for their unwavering support and co-operation during the Blitz and look forward to working with them on future NBL projects in the region.”

Excitement is now at fever pitch ahead of round one, with fans able to follow all the action on the NBL App. Click here to download.

“The Blitz has generated terrific momentum and anticipation towards Thursday night’s season-opener between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix,” Stevenson added.

“The Throwdown is already sold-out, and we are expecting strong crowds across Round 1 with games in Brisbane, Perth, New Zealand, Illawarra, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

“Every moment will matter this season, and the Blitz proved that every team enters the campaign with enticing storylines, star players, and legitimate Finals aspirations.”

United were awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup for winning the Blitz and Tyler Cook of the Phoenix won the Ray Borner Trophy as the most outstanding player of the series.

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season begins on Thursday night when Melbourne battles South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena. The game will tip-off at 7:30pm AEST and be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports.