Skycity Breakers Host Melbourne

Skycity Breakers Host Melbourne in Hawke’s Bay And New Plymouth

Following on from the confirmation of the NBL Blitz last week, the SKYCITY Breakers today announced the second stage of their pre-season schedule, with a series against star-studded Melbourne United to be played in Hawke’s Bay and New Plymouth in mid-September.

The SKYCITY Breakers will play Melbourne United in two games, at the Pettigrew Arena in Taradale on September 17(2pm tip off) and again in New Plymouth at TSB Stadium onSeptember 19 (7pm tip off).

As well as two games between two of the heavyweight rosters in the competition, the series will feature time from the players and coaches of both teams in those communities, utilizing basketball as the tool to get children engaged and active outside the classroom.

SKYCITY Breakers General manager Dillon Boucher says the games play a vital part in the on-court build up to the season, while also allowing the club to take basketball and Breakers values into the provinces.

“We have always been and always will be a community focused club. Our players earn a profile through their basketball and on court success and the club has worked hard to capitalize on that with quality time spent in our community, making a difference where we can. The pre-season tour is no different, we are fully committed to a busy programme in both regions, as well as putting on a show for the fans on court against a quality Melbourne team. Game night at both venues will be a high-quality display of basketball with great entertainment for everyone, young and old.”

In Napier, the Breakers full roster of players and coaches will participate in community sessions with selected Hawke’s Bay age group representative teams, conduct a development session for local coaches, and eight selected schools will have a visit from the team (exact timings TBC).

Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale hosts the first game on Sunday 17th September, with a family friendly tip off at 2pm. Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow (17th August), with public sales from Monday 21st, and are available through Ticketek, including corporate packages. Tickets can be purchased through the Ticketek website or the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Pettigrew Green Arena Chairman Craig Waterhouse is looking forward to a return visit by the Breakers, and acknowledged all who have made it possible again this year.

“It is fantastic that the Breakers recognised the efforts and professionalism of PGA staff in last year’s preseason event that they will again play host to an Australian NBL team in Hawke’s Bay. It is great for the sport of basketball in the area. The support of both Napier and Hastings Councils, Destination Napier and the Courage Trust make it all possible. To be able to secure a Sunday afternoon game means the school children and families can enjoy the game.”

The tour then hits New Plymouth and on Monday 18th students from Taranaki Age Grade Basketball teams will be transported from all corners of the region, thanks to support from the TSB Community Trust, to attend a skills development session with the Breakers team.

At the same time coaches from around the region will be given the opportunity to hear from Paul Henare and his team, and develop their own skills in a coach’s workshop.

There is also a wonderful chance for basketball and sports fanatics to attend a mix and mingle evening with the players and coaching staff on the Monday evening at the Devon Hotel (time TBC). With MC duties taken up by former Tall Blacks Head Coach Steve ‘Coach’ McKean, and special guests Dillon Boucher, Paul Henare, Mika Vukona and others, this will be a night not to be missed. Tickets will be available from Sport Taranaki at $20 per person.

Taranaki is excited to be hosting such high calibre teams in a sport that has exploded in the region says Sport Taranaki’s Acting CEO Therese Campbell.

“As a region with a passion for basketball we can’t wait to host the Breakers again and our community will ensure there is a great atmosphere come game night!”

The game in New Plymouth is hosted at TSB Stadium, on Tuesday 19th, tip off at 7pm with doors open at 6pm. Tickets will be available through the Ticketek website, with links provided from the Sport Taranaki and New Plymouth District Council websites.

SKYCITY Breakers Pre-Season Tour v Melbourne United

16 September
Hawke’s Bay
Teams arrive and conduct community visits, coaching clinics
Details TBC

17 September
Hawke’s Bay
Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale
SKYCITY Breakers v Melbourne United
2pm tip off
Tickets: Adult $25, Child (14 year and under) $15, Family (2 adults, 2 children, additional children’s tickets $10) $65, (+ service fees).

18 September
New Plymouth
Teams arrive in New Plymouth to official welcome
Community Programme with basketball rep teams from throughout the region
TSB Stadium – details TBC
Coaches workshop – details TBC

Mix and Mingle with the SKYCITY Breakers
Devon Hotel
Early evening (time TBC)
A relaxed evening of storytelling, basketball memories and highlights, featuring MC Steve ‘Coach McKean, Breakers and Tall Blacks Head Coach Paul Henare, former Tall Black/Breaker and Breakers General Manager Dillon Boucher, Breakers players including Mika Vukona

19 September
New Plymouth
TSB Stadium
SKYCITY Breakers v Melbourne United
7pm tip off
Tickets: Adult $30, Child (11 & under) $15, Family (2 adults 2 children) $80, Student $20 (+ service fees).

ENDS

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