The biggest names in Australian basketball are set to go head-to-head with the best of American college basketball for two matches in Melbourne, when the Australian Boomers take on the USA Pac-12 College All-Stars as part of the Australian Boomers Olympic campaign, as announced by the Minister for Major Events, Sport and Tourism, John Eren today.

Melbourne’s Hisense Arena will stage the 2016 Australian Boomers Farewell Series on Tuesday July 12 and Thursday July 14.

The games will give fans the opportunity to see the final Boomers team for Rio, and arguably the greatest team Australian basketball has ever assembled, facing off against some of the best college basketball talent out of the United States led by heralded NBA and Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Mike Montgomery.

With the Australian Olympic team due to be announced in July, the Boomers side is likely to include such greats of the game as Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes to name a few.

Prior to the Boomers games on July 12 and July 14, fans will also have the chance to witness the Australian Rollers, who will head to the Paralympics in September as the world champions, in a clash against a team of All-Stars from the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL).

Minister for Major Events, Sport and Tourism, John Eren was delighted to make the announcement.

“Securing the Boomers Farewell Series, combined with last year’s sell out FIBA Oceania Championship at Rod Laver Arena, positions Melbourne as not only Australia’s major events capital but also the home of basketball in Australia.

“Bringing the best in American college basketball to Melbourne to take on our Australian Boomers adds another international sporting event to Victoria’s renowned major events calendar, which delivers a $1.8 billion boost to the Victorian economy every year.”

Anthony Moore, CEO Basketball Australia has high Olympic hopes for the Boomers.

“This is one of the strongest men’s teams Australia has ever seen going into an Olympic Games and the team has high aspirations heading into Rio.

“The Boomers Farewell Series backs up a training camp in Melbourne and is an essential part of the team’s preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. I know the team is excited to get back to Melbourne to complete its preparations and for the basketball fans of Australia, it provides the rare opportunity to watch first-class basketball featuring the best Australian and college basketball talent.” Mr Moore said.

Justin Papps, Managing Director of TEG Live said “We are extremely proud to be involved in the Australian Boomers Farewell Series, showcasing some of the best local and international basketball talent on home soil. Together with our partners at TLA, we are confident that Australian sports fans will get behind the Boomers and give these world-class athletes a fitting send off to Rio.”

Bart Campbell, Chairman of TLA  said “We are pleased to work with the Pac-12 and their extraordinary global vision to bring more world class events Australia, one of the world’s greatest and most passionate markets for sport. Together with TEG Live, we look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes and stiff competition for the Boomers as they prepare for a strong run in 2016 Summer Olympics.”

As an added bonus for those in attendance, fans will get the chance to see the Australian Rollers in action against a team of All-Stars from the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) prior to each of the two 2016 Australian Boomers Farewell Series games.

Joe Ingles is looking forward to coming home for the series.

“I’m proud to be representing Australia and there’s nothing better than playing in front of a home crowd.

“As well as being great preparation for Rio, the series enables us to bring elite basketball to Australian supporters, which is fantastic.”

Chris Goulding echoed his team mates sentiments.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out on the court with the Boomers and after the reception we received during the Oceania Series in August last year, we cannot wait to play in front of a home crowd.”

This is the chance for Basketball fans to farewell the Australian Boomers in style and witness world-class basketball live in action. #BoomersFarewell

EVENT INFORMATION:

2016 Australian Boomers Farewell Series:

Melbourne, Australia                                                                               Melbourne, Australia
July 12, 2016 at 7:30pm                                                                                         July 14, 2016 at 7:30pm
Australian Boomers v Pac-12 All Stars                                           Australian Boomers v Pac-12 All Stars

Pre-Game Match at 5:45pm                                                                Pre-Game Match at 5:45pm
Australian Rollers v NWBL All-Stars                                                 Australian Rollers v NWBL All-Stars

TICKETING INFORMATION:

Telstra customers can get tickets before the general public during the Telstra Thanks 48 hour pre-sale from 4pm Tuesday May 31 – 4pm Thursday June 2. Visit www.telstra.com/sport for details on how to purchase.

The Basketball Australia Family can access tickets from 1pm Friday June 3 – 5pm Sunday June 5. Basketball Associations will be sent a special code to access tickets during this time.

Tickets will be made available to the general public on www.ticketek.com.au from 10am Monday June 6.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

About the Pac-12 Conference:

The Conference has a tradition as the “Conference of Champions,” leading the nation in NCAA Championships in 50 of the last 55 years, with 486 NCAA team titles overall. The Conference comprises 12 leading U.S. universities: The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of California-Berkeley, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Colorado, the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Stanford University, the University of Southern California, the University of Utah, the University of Washington and Washington State University.  For more information on the Conference’s programs, member institutions, and Commissioner Larry Scott, go to www.pac-12.com/conference.

The Pac-12 College All-Stars Team

The Pac-12 squad is littered with future NBA players who have led their respective teams during the most recent NCAA season.

Media Contacts:

Lizzie Joyce                                                                                                     Lisa Hasker
Lizzie Joyce Publicity                                                                               Basketball Australia
0408 234 109                                                                                              0418 194 933
lizzie@lizziejoyce.com                                                                            lisa.hasker@basketball.net.au