Back-to-back reigning champions the Perth Wildcats will take on the Adelaide 36ers in a National Basketball League pre-season game on Sunday 3 September at the Margaret River Recreation Centre.
The special Father’s Day event is one of only two Wildcats pre-season hit outs in WA and will be one of the first opportunities to see newly recruited Wildcats Devondrick Walker and Derek Cooke Jr join play alongside stars Damian Martin, Bryce Cotton and teammates.
Augusta Margaret River Shire Recreation Services Manager Dylan Brown said he was thrilled the Wildcats were returning following a hugely successful, sell-out pre-season game in 2014.
“Last time was so much fun, I had never seen so much activity and excitement at the centre before,” he said.
“This time we are working with the Perth Wildcats to deliver an equally amazing event.
“There will be an elite level basketball game, music, entertainment, crowd interaction, a children’s fun zone and an athletes signing session.”
Shire President Ian Earl said council provided sponsorship to secure the game to afford local residents a social engagement and entertainment opportunity usually reserved for people living in metropolitan areas.
“The Wildcats did wonder for our local community last time they were here,” he said.
“They were fantastically inspiring for our youth and the local association saw a marked increase in basketball participation.
“The players were great with meeting and greeting the local people and hosting coaching workshops.
“We are very happy to be welcoming them back again and hope locals can come out and show support for our state team.”
Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin said the team is excited to head down south again.
“We’re feeling very lucky to be able to play one of our first games for 2017-18 in a world-famous West Australian destination like Margaret River,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get people in the region excited about basketball, as well as a chance for us to begin bonding as a team again.
“The Adelaide 36ers were outstanding last season so I’m expecting it to be tough, exciting contest.”
Pricing to attend the event is $15/child and $20/adult for general entry, $35 for baseline seating, and $50 for corporate options (catered, grandstand seating).
Tickets go on sale from Friday 4 August 2017 from www.trybooking.com/303679