- Published:
- Monday 18 December 2023
The Allan Labor Government is giving regional fans the chance to see the Australian Boomers when they play on home soil, with the Australian Boomers to take on South Korea in Bendigo for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifying game.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced crowds will flock to Red Energy Arena on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, made possible thanks to the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund through Visit Victoria.
The Boomers last played in Bendigo in August last year defeating Iran 98-68 in front of a sea of green and gold. Bendigo is well known as a basketball city and lays claim to Dyson Daniels who is currently playing in the NBA and has represented Australia on the national level.
This event will showcase Bendigo and the Goldfields to millions of people across the globe that will be watching the internationally broadcast game.
Since 2016, the Regional Events Fund has supported more than 350 events across the state to attract more visitors to regional Victoria to experience great events and travel – boosting jobs, businesses and local economies.
Australia is the current defending champion of the Asia Cup having won the last two championships in 2017 and 2022.
Tickets to the Boomers’ Bendigo game will go on sale on Wednesday, 20 December through Ticketek.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re proud to bring the Boomers to Bendigo to give local fans a chance to see their heroes in action while boosting the local economy and putting the region on the global stage through international broadcasts.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We love seeing the Boomers play in Bendigo and the team can be sure fans will get behind them as they compete for qualification in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Hosting an official FIBA qualifying event is exciting for basketball fans and we can look forward to welcoming visitors to Bendigo for this international sporting event.”
Quote attributable to Australian Boomers Head Coach Brian Goorjian
“It’s always great playing at home, there is nothing like it, I love it and so do the team, you lift for the crowd, and I know Bendigo are mad basketball fans so it will be a great atmosphere.”
Quote attributable to Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven
“Bendigo is a basketball city, it has produced international stars such as Matthew Dellavedova, Kristi Harrower and Dyson Daniels and has a stadium that meets the standards to host FIBA games.”