The Allan Labor Government is bringing elite basketball to Traralgon as one of the nation’s most beloved sporting teams, the Australian Boomers, will host two thrilling games in Gippsland next year.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the Boomers will square off against Thailand and Indonesia as part of the FIBA Men’s Asia Cup Qualifiers, returning international basketball to Gippsland for the first time in more than a decade.
Supported by the Labor Government through the Regional Events Fund, the Gippsland Regional Indoor Basketball Stadium will be the venue for both games, hosting Indonesia on Thursday, 20 February, and Thailand on Sunday, 23 February.
Victoria has previously held sold-out Asia Cup Qualifiers in Melbourne, and as Australian basketball continues to grow its impact on the global stage, the games will be an opportunity to witness homegrown stars in action.
Earlier in 2024, all six of Australia’s national basketball teams competed in Melbourne ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, when the Ballin’ 24 event brought the Australian Boomers, Opals, Rollers, and Gliders, as well as the men’s and women’s 3×3 teams, to John Cain Arena to face off against China and Japan.
The two games add to a busy calendar of upcoming events in Victoria, including the Australian Open, the Boxing Day Test, the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the NGV, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and the Festival of Sails.
As a driver of the regional visitor economy, the events will deliver benefits to the state’s tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, building on Victoria’s $39.2 billion tourism economy.
General public tickets will go on sale at 10:00am tomorrow via Ticketek.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen Victorian basketballers continue to have a huge impact on the world stage and these games will be a chance to showcase that talent in Gippsland.”
“We’ve already seen Traralgon’s own Jack White go on from being a local talent to becoming an NBA champion – and seeing the Boomers up close might just inspire the next star from Gippsland to go on and take the world by storm.”
“We look forward to seeing big crowds in Traralgon, delivering another boost to our state’s visitor economy – filling local restaurants, bars and hotels.”
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“The Allan Labor Government is bringing elite sport to regional Victoria, proving once again that we’re the major events state – and the Australian Boomers’ games in Traralgon are a fantastic win for Gippsland.”
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“These two Boomers games are part of a fantastic pipeline of upcoming events across regional Victoria – including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo and the Port Fairy Folk Festival.”
As stated by Jack White, Australian Boomers & Melbourne United player
“It’s been about ten years since I’ve played in my hometown, so hopefully the stars align and I’m on the court for the double-header in February.”
As stated by Matt Scriven, Chief Executive Officer – Basketball Australia
“We are excited for the first ever Boomers games in Traralgon and we thank the community and the City of Latrobe for embracing this double-header in February.”
