3X3 basketball set to open on the Darwin Waterfront

Australia’s first official semi-permanent FIBA 3X3 spec basketball court is to make its debut at the Darwin Waterfront.

The new facility will be open for 12 months and hold weekly events, national and international competitions and be free for public use most days.

The Darwin Waterfront has collaborated with CLB3X3’s Darwin Branch who will manage the court and coordinate the calendar of events.

CLB3X3 founder and General Manager, Matt Hollard stated “it has always been our vision to bring 3X3 basketball back to Darwin on a more regular basis since we hosted the massive Darwin leg of the CLB3X3 National Tour in 2016.

“Three years later and all the hard work and dedication by our team has paid off, driving that vision to become a reality has been very exciting and is a huge step for our brand.

“The Darwin leg of the 2016 CLB3X3 National Tour was one of the biggest, most successful locations for the tour which was held in most capital cities and regional centres across the country. We had over 120 competitors and hundreds of spectators attend the one-day event at the Waterfront.

“Darwin has been a pioneer location for 3X3 basketball in Australia, and we’ve worked hard over the years to build our local relationships with businesses and the community to ensure our presence here is a success.”

The new facility is intended to bring national 3X3 events to the Darwin Waterfront and form part of the CLB3X3 Aussie Summer Series along with becoming the home to a newly established Darwin elite team (to be announced), which will compete nationally and internationally.

Hollard added “we also have our sights set on international competitions including attracting teams from countries such as PNG, Philippines and Malaysia, with these discussions well underway.

“While the court will bring competition from around the country and the globe, there is a strong focus on local development. CLB3X3 will facilitate weekly 3X3 competitions for local Darwin ballers right through to business personnel with our Corporate Cups and team building sessions.

“It would also continue to push Darwin locals to the top of the national federation rankings with increased FIBA points on offer, placing them in the qualification zone for selection to a national team and playing in a global event.”

Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby went on to say “it’s fantastic to see the Darwin Waterfront taking up these opportunities and providing yet another active and healthy activity for our local community.

“Outside of CLB competition, the court would be open for all to use on a casual basis and be completely accessible for the whole community.”

CLB’s strong link with their charity partner Red Dust, who have been delivering positive health messages to Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory for more than 20 years will only enhance this.”

Works on the project commence last Monday with an official opening planned for Friday 23rd August 2019 when local business, The Precinct Tavern, will host a launch party for the new 3X3 arena.

The installation was undertaken by Courts N Hoops.