NBL Blitz returns to South East Queensland

It’s going to heat-up like no other when the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz returns to South- East Queensland and hits the Gold Coast in September.

The tournament will showcase all the new faces, player signings and arguably the most talented group of Next Stars ever seen.

Bullets fans will have the opportunity to see the team in action when they face Melbourne United, Illawarra Hawks and the Sydney Kings during the pre-season Blitz.

All games will be played at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday, September 16, until Friday, September 22. All games will be live and free on Kayo Freebies.

Click here to see the schedule.

In a major win for families, the Blitz will be accessible and affordable with tickets starting from just $10 for children and $15 for adults – with each granting access to a double-header (apart from a standalone session on September 20 between Melbourne and Sydney), meaning fans can enjoy two games for the price of one.

General public tickets go on sale on Friday, July 28, on Ticketek.

“The Blitz on the Gold Coast will be the biggest and best event we’ve ever hosted in the lead-up to a season – there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” NBL CEO David Stevenson said.

We promise to deliver world-class basketball and family-friendly entertainment, and are delighted to be staging the Blitz on the Gold Coast.”

Next Stars AJ Johnson, Alexandre Sarr, Bobi Klintman and Mantas Rubstavicius are all projected to be 2024 NBA draft picks, and will get their first taste of NBL action on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland teams are sure to garner strong support with Australian Boomers’ stars Aron Baynes and Nathan Sobey leading the Bullets, along with the first look at 17-year-old, 7’3 Next Star Rocco Zikarsky. Exciting Australian youngster Taran Armstrong and Next Generation Award winner Sam Waardenburg will be on show with the Taipans.

“We want to encourage fans to engage with all the players when they’re out in the community through a range of activations and initiatives that will be announced. With Queensland and Victoria also on school holidays, it presents a fantastic opportunity for families and children to connect with the stars of NBL,” Stevenson added.

“The City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government have been an absolute joy to work with, and we thank them for their commitment, and look forward to delivering a fantastic event with them.”

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast and the Queensland Government.

“It’s terrific that the Gold Coast’s basketball loving community will get the opportunity to see the NBL’s best emerging and established stars, light up the courts over an entire week in September,” Queensland Government Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland is the sports events capital of Australia and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, along with world-class facilities and unmatched destinations, it’s a title we can expect to hold well into the future.”

"This event will let fans get up close to the brightest talent in the NBL as they showcase their skills on the court. Congratulations to Major Events Gold Coast, the State Government and NBL. It's showtime in September."

The winning team will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will take home the Ray Borner Medal.