Darwin unveils 3x3 facilities on the Waterfront

Fresh off the 2019 3x3 Pro Hustle Final that was hosted by Darwin back in April, a semi-permanent FIBA3X3 basketball court has been unveiled in a collaborative venture by The Darwin Waterfront and CLB3X3.

According to the official media release, the fresh new facility will hold weekly events, national and international competitions and be free for public use on most days in a boon for the growth of the sport and the Darwin community.

CLB3X3 General Manager Matt Hollard was excited in the new facility as his organisation looked to continue to facilitate the growth of the sport at grass roots level.

"It has always been our vision to bring 3X3 basketball back to Darwin on a more regular basis since we hosted the massive Darwin leg of the CLB3X3 National Tour in 2016," outlined Hollard.

"Three years later and all the hard work and dedication by our team has paid off, driving that vision to become a reality has been very exciting and is a huge step for our brand. The Darwin leg of the 2016 CLB3X3 National Tour was one of the biggest, most successful locations for the tour which was held in most capital cities and regional centres across the country. We had over 120 competitors and hundreds of spectators attend the one-day event at the Waterfront.

"Darwin has been a pioneer location for 3x3 basketball in Australia, and we’ve worked

hard over the years to build our local relationships with businesses and the community to ensure our presence here is a success. The new facility will bring national 3X3 events to the Darwin Waterfront and form part of the CLB3X3 Aussie Summer Series along with becoming the home to a newly established Darwin elite team (to be announced), which will compete nationally and internationally."

After hosting events across Australia and in a growing number of regional areas across the past three years, Hollard added that CLB3X3 was looking to add an international flavour to their calendar of event in future.

“We also have our sights set on international competitions including attracting teams from countries such as Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Malaysia, with these discussions well underway. While the court will bring competition from around the country and the globe, there is a strong focus on local development. CLB3X3 will facilitate weekly 3X3 competitions for local Darwin ballers right through to business personnel with our Corporate Cups and team building sessions.

“It would also continue to push Darwin locals to the top of the national federation

rankings with increased FIBA points on offer, placing them in the qualification zone for selection to a national team and playing in a global event.”

The Northern Territory’s first born and bred NBL star Timmy Duggan took part in the first CLB3X3 held in Darwin three years ago, and was excited to see the growth of the sport in his own backyard.

"The Waterfront is a prime location on Larrakia Country to provide opportunities for local and visiting tourists to play the sport. I have no doubt this facility will increase physical activity in the city.”