Hype Builds Ahead Of WNBL Return To Geelong

The WNBL is eager to see more games played in Geelong in coming seasons, with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers leading the charge ahead of this Saturday night's game against Adelaide Lightning. The Arena will host its first WNBL game in nearly a decade, the 7:30pm tip-off set to draw a crowd from Melbourne, Geelong and the surf-coast region. The Boomers have taken the running on the event and are keen to headline a game in Geelong each season. "We view this game as the start of something special, but like all things in sport and entertainment there has to be a thirst for it. This is Geelong's chance to come out and support one of the very best women's basketball competitions in the world," said Boomers General Manager Justin Nelson in the lead-up to the game. "The Boomers fan base is rapidly growing and we're really keen to see Geelong's basketball community jump on board and join us. It's such a passionate basketball region and there's no doubt they love elite-level sport. Saturday night is hopefully the start of bigger things to come." Head of the WNBL, Sally Phillips, is strongly in favour of the initiative and believes it's an exciting move for the league. "It's wonderful to see the WNBL heading to Geelong this weekend, a great initiative by the Boomers to take our world-class league to regional Victoria.Ê I hope this is the first of many and the partnership with the City of Geelong continues into the future," said Phillips. "It's important that families that can't get to games each week are provided with the opportunity to see our amazing WNBL athletes up close and personal, providing junior hoopers with the inspiration to follow their dreams.Ê Former Opals and Olympians Trish Fallon and Michelle Clearly hail from Geelong, maybe the next Opal from Geelong will be in the crowd on Saturday night?" "The Melbourne Boomers host one of the best game day experiences in the WNBL, I can guarantee that all the fans will have a blast at Geelong Arena on Saturday night! ÊAs a Geelong Cats fan I might see if I can get team mascot Dexter the Dragon to wear my Geelong scarf as he leads the Boomers famous Conga Line," added Phillips with a smile. Tickets are now on sale for Saturday's game and can either be purchase at the door prior to the 7:30pm tip-off, or pre-purchase onlineÊHERE. WHAT:ÊBoomers In Geelong WHEN:ÊSaturday January 7 WHO:ÊDeakin Melbourne Boomers vs Adelaide Lightning WHERE:ÊThe Arena, Geelong TIME:Ê7:30pm tip-off TICKETS:ÊAt the door or pre-purchase onlineÊHERE.