Boomers Want WNBL Supporters To Make A Statement

January 21, 2017 | Melbourne Boomers news
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are calling on all basketball supporters to come together and make a statement at AusDayEve 2Êon Wednesday, January 25th.
The second instalment of the big Melbourne derby between the Boomers and Dandenong Rangers on the eve of Australia Day is expected to set a new attendance record at the State Basketball Centre for a WNBL game, however Boomers GM Justin Nelson believes a big crowd will do far more than that.
"We are seeing a rise in popularity for women's sport, which is a great thing, but for the WNBL and its 36-year history we need to make sure we continue to be a leader in the pathway we provide for young players and our ability to attract supporters to come and watch our top league," said Nelson.
"I'm not sure how many fans other women's sports are attracting to games, but I do know that if we have a huge crowd next Wednesday night at the State Basketball Centre that it won't go unnoticed."
Last year's first instalment of the Australia Day Eve showdown between the Boomers and Rangers attracted a crowd of 2,490. Not only was it a record WNBL crowd for the State Basketball Centre, it was also the biggest crowd of the WNBL season and the Boomers are keen to see that record beaten this season.
"If you support girls and women in basketball you have to come out and support the WNBL on Wednesday night at AusDayEve 2. The statement a stadium filled with 3000 fans cheering for Melbourne and Dandenong is important for the league and for girls and women in basketball."
"I know there's been plenty of talk over the last couple of years about the WNBL getting back on television, which we all want, but the fans need to show how passionate they are for that to happen and the easiest way to do that is to fill stadiums," urged Nelson.
"You can't ignore numbers. ÊA capacity crowd on Wednesday night will send a very big statement that not only is the WNBL alive and well, but the supporters are passionate and connected to the league. That's the sort of thing that helps drive media coverage and sponsorship, which I'm sure everyone in basketball wants for the WNBL."
Coupled with the support of Basketball Victoria, Wednesday night's game comes with the added incentive for all junior players who wear their own junior team/club colours to the game - free entry awaits them, along with the chance to proudly display who they play for.
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