A day of tennis followed by a night of Basketball? Each season as a Melbourne United fan, the Australian Open comes round and we are kicked out of our home at Hisense Arena, making way for the likes of Nick Kyrgios.
It’s met with mixed feelings as the Cage is a traditional home of Melbourne basketball and provides a different atmosphere and closeness than Hisense, but less people can attend and because of this its never part of the membership.
Big news today though when it was revealed that Melbourne United will take centre court instead this year, the first time ever a NBL game will played during the Australian Open. On Wednesday 24 January, Cairns will face Melbourne at Hisense, and as part of the entry will get ground passes to the Australian Open.
The Australian Open is excited to have the NBL involved and believes this will provide a great opportunity for the fans. Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said “This is a unique opportunity to showcase two of the world’s biggest sports in one location on one day and our fans are the big winners.”
Logistics aside the NBL as pulled off an incredibly partnership with this deal and hopefully this will lead to a long and ongoing relationship with the Australian Open which is already one of the biggest sporting events in Australia. Tickets go on sale December 11 2017 to this unique opportunity for a day of sport.
Jonathan Prestwich is a Melbourne United fan introduced to the game by his children. He missed a half-court shot but they gave him the prize anyway...... maybe they felt sorry for him. Follow him on twitter @johnoprestwich
