Taipans to play NBL27 Blitz opener in Bendigo

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans will face the Perth Wildcats in the first game of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, with the league today announcing its pre-season tournament will be held in Bendigo, Victoria.

The event includes five days of non-stop action at Red Energy Arena from Wednesday 2^nd September until Sunday 6^th September.

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said taking the Blitz to Bendigo is all about the League’s commitment to fans right across Australia.

“We’re grateful to the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria for their continued support of the NBL and their commitment to bringing major sporting events to regional communities,” Stevenson said.

“The NBL has fans in every corner of Australia and New Zealand, and taking our game to places like Bendigo allows us to connect with those communities in a way that’s really important to us.”

The Premier of Victoria and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said:

“I know how important basketball is to my hometown, and bringing the NBL Blitz to Bendigo is a huge win for the region.”

“Not only will this inspire young basketballers, it will bring more visitors to Bendigo’s hotels, restaurants and cafes – boosting our visitor economy.”

The CODE Sports Blitz has become a key fixture on the NBL calendar, giving fans the chance to see every team in action while clubs make their final preparations for the season ahead.

The event will also feature a range of community activities designed to inspire the next generation of players, including clinics, school visits and fan engagement opportunities.

The full schedule of games includes:

‍Wednesday 2 September

• Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats – 5:30pm AEST
• Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix – 8:00pm AEST

Thursday 3 September

• Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers – 5:30pm AEST
• Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers – 8:00 AEST

Friday 4 September

• New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings – 5:30pm AEST
• Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United – 8:00pm AEST

Saturday 5 September

• South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Brisbane Bullets – 5:30pm AEST
• Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans – 8:00pm AEST

Sunday 6 September

• Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks – 2:30pm AEST
• Tasmania JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers – 5:00pm AEST

Head to NBLBlitz.com.au to stay connected with all event details, ticketing information, and start planning your trip to Bendigo for five huge days of NBL action.