Perth's city centre is set to be electrified by the return of a major sporting festival, with Forrest Place transforming into a basketball paradise for four action-packed days.
Bounce Nation Fan Zone Takes Over the City
From Thursday, January 15 to Sunday, January 18, the heart of Perth will pulse to the rhythm of basketball. The Bounce Nation Fan Zone will take over Forrest Place, delivering a huge lineup of free, family-friendly activities designed for fans of all ages. The festival promises a non-stop schedule of live entertainment, interactive games, competitions, and appearances from the biggest stars of the National Basketball League (NBL) and Women's National Basketball League (WNBL).
The City of Perth is proudly backing the event, with Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves welcoming HoopsFest back after its highly successful debut in 2024. "HoopsFest is exactly the kind of major sporting event that adds vibrancy and excitement to our city," Mr Goncalves said. He emphasised that the festival brings over 150 players and their entourage from across Australia and New Zealand to Perth, supporting local businesses and showcasing the city at its sporting best.
What's On at the Fan Zone
The jam-packed timetable is bursting with opportunities for participation and spectating. Key features include:
- Skill sessions and competitions for aspiring players.
- A pop-up half-court for open shoot-arounds and 3x3 hustle events.
- A Special Olympics showcase highlighting inclusive sport.
- Athlete signing sessions for meet-and-greets with top players.
- Live DJs, food trucks, merchandise stalls, and sponsor activations.
Alex Hamilton, NBL Group's chief event and project officer, said the zone aims to deliver the "ultimate fan experience." "The Bounce Nation Fan Zone captures exactly what HoopsFest is all about, creating moments that bring people together, celebrate basketball culture and energise the whole city," Ms Hamilton stated. She credited the partnership with the City of Perth for enabling the creation of a "must-visit destination" throughout the festival.
A Full Calendar of Hoops Action
This year, the entire HoopsFest schedule will be hosted within the City of Perth, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for major events. The Deputy Lord Mayor encouraged locals and visitors to "grab a bite to eat, and cheer on our home teams, the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx." In addition to the fan zone, HoopsFest will host competitive games at the RAC Arena.
For those driving in, the City of Perth is offering three hours of free parking on weekends and public holidays in select city car parks. Tickets for the ticketed HoopsFest games at RAC Arena can be purchased online, ensuring fans don't miss a second of the on-court action.
