Ok, perhaps that’s harsh on a man with four championship rings, but the NBA playoffs are reaching their final stages, and the four remaining teams are laser-focused on a championship of their own. Whilst we won’t know the identities of the finalists for another week, Marvel Stadium is already preparing for a titanic tilt at glory, as they’ll host a free live site that will screen Game 1 of the NBA Finals, on Friday, June 6. Here’s what you need to know about the free NBA watch party!
Always a popular choice in a sports-mad city, the NBA’s popularity is growing thanks to the profile of Aussie ballers like Josh Giddey, and the successful NBA Exhibition that popped up in The Docklands last year. Having screened last year’s finals, Marvel Stadium are once again bringing basketball to the people with no need for a sports subscription, by setting up a huge 257-inch screen for visitors to catch the game for free, in a family-friendly affair that’ll showcase the best the NBA has to offer. Whilst the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New York Knicks battle it out for a shot at the trophy, you can relax safe in the knowledge that you’ll be able to catch the action for free.
There’s no booking required, so you can simply turn up on the day decked out in your team colours ready to cheer – the only caveat is the time difference means the gates open at 9am, before the game starts at 10:30am. Still, despite the earlier than usual start, Marvel Stadium will turn it into a celebration of basketball with American-themed food and drink, a series of competitions, and NBA merchandise available for purchase. You’ll find it in Stadium Square, outside Gates 2 & 3, on Friday, June 6 – so keep your fingers crossed your team makes the final!