NBL's JackJumpers ready to take the court as legislation to create Stadiums Tasmania agency moves forward

Tasmania’s JackJumpers - the NBL’s latest franchise - are set make their debut in the competition’s Preseason Blitz on Sunday 14th November.

The JackJumpers will be the first ever team to play at the redeveloped MyState Bank Arena when they host the Brisbane Bullets as part of a series that will see five NBL teams descend on Tasmania to play 12 games across two weeks at MyState Bank Arena, Elphin Sports Centre and Ulverstone Sports & Recreation Centre.

Tasmania’s new home of sport and entertainment, MyState Bank Arena will open to the public for the first time with a Blitz double header and family fun day including exciting activities led by the JackJumpers’ valued partners.

Looking forward to the action, JackJumpers Chief Executive, Simon Brookhouse stated “the opening of the Arena will be a historic day for Tasmania, and there is no better way to christen our state-of-the-art new home than with the JackJumpers first real hit out as a new team.

“We’re really looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the Tasmanian community and give fans a taste of what they can expect in our regular season home games from December 3”.

Tasmania’s passionate North-West sports community will be treated to a basketball bonanza when the Ulverstone Sports & Leisure Centre hosts five NBL Blitz matches.

“Fans all around Tasmania will get to see some of the best basketballers in the country grace their local courts and around their local towns.

“Hundreds of JackJumpers members hail from the state’s North-West and we’re excited to play in front of what we know will be a loud and passionate crowd and visit the community as the team for all Tasmanians”.

Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans, Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers will play in the Tasmanian Blitz. Due to border restrictions, New Zealand Breakers will now play against Illawarra Hawks, Melbourne United, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sydney Kings across venues in NSW and Victoria.

“We know Tasmanians have waited a long time to see the return of elite basketball, so we’re delighted to be able to host the NBL Blitz across Tasmania’s three major centres”.

The Hungry Jack’s NBL Pre-Season Blitz is supported by the Tasmanian Government.

New Stadiums Tasmania agency
The establishment of the new Stadiums Tasmania agency is one step closer following the passing of the Stadiums Tasmania Bill 2021 through the state’s House of Assembly yesterday.

Announcing the progress, Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein advised “Tasmania’s major stadiums are some of our most important assets for our economy, for the community, and for the Tasmanian way of life and this is an important part of the plan we took to the election to secure Tasmania’s future.

“The Bill establishes a new statutory authority with specific responsibility for overseeing Tasmania’s major stadiums and to maximise the economic and social benefits they deliver.

“The establishment of Stadiums Tasmania will work to centralise the ownership, management and future capital development of our major stadiums under a single entity, ensuring each stadium operates effectively and efficiently and continues to meet the needs of sporting codes and competitions, the community, other users and audiences.”

Main image: Render of how the redeveloped MyState Bank Arena when the JackJumpers take the court.