The Tasmania JackJumpers will be hosting a game on Christmas day at MyState Bank Arena in 2023. In what is understood to be a first of any sports code in Tasmania, the JackJumpers will host South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The match will be the first of two NBL games to feature on Christmas Day, and follows the success of the first ever Christmas day game last season, when the Sydney Kings hosted Melbourne United.
“After the incredible response we had last year it was important for us to schedule a huge Christmas double-header this season,” NBL Executive Director and JackJumpers Owner Larry Kestelman said speaking to the NBL Official website.
“Sports fans everywhere told us they want NBL on Christmas and having listened, we acted,” Kestelman said.
“We were the first professional sport to play a game on Christmas and as our League continues to grow, we want to keep breaking new ground and innovating.
“This year’s Christmas double-header will be even bigger,”
The double-header will feature the JackJumpers hosting the Phoenix at 5.30pm, followed by the Sydney Kings welcoming the Illawarra Hawks at 7.30pm.
JackJumpers’ Co-CEO Christine Finnegan says the club is excited to be pat of the Christmas fixture.
“We’re delighted to host such an occasion and bring our broader community together for a momentous celebration,” Finnegan said.
“We think the 5.30pm timeslot is perfect for the Tasmanian market, it gives people time to spend time with family and friends during the day and then enjoy a new tradition in the evening.
“Christmas Day is different for everyone, some people don’t have a lot of family around, others will come to the game with their loved ones or watch it on broadcast together. We’re very excited to bring the JackJumpers family together at such a special time.”
New years and first round games announced
Following the initial announcement of the Christmas matches, the NBL has since provided the schedule of matches for New years and Round One.
Tasmania will host a second game over the summer holiday period when they host the New Zealand Breakers at My State Bank Arena on 1 January 2024.
Meanwhile they will open the season in the west, when they take on Keanu Pinder and the new look Perth Wildcats on 29 September 2023.
