GC2018 Basketball match schedule revealed

The official match schedule for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (2018) Basketball competition has today been unveiled, with Townsville and Cairns to host the opening matches of the tournament on Thursday, 5 April 2018.

The New Zealand Women's Basketball team are in Pool B alongside Jamaica, Malaysia and India and the New Zealand Men's team are in Pool A alongside Australia, Nigeria and Canada

England and Scotland will feature in the opening game of the men’s competition at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on Day 1, while on the same day the Jamaican and Indian women’s teams will open proceedings at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The top-seeded Australian Opals will open their account on Day 2 (Friday, 6 April) in Townsville against fourth seeds Mozambique, while the Australian Boomers’ first game will be against Commonwealth Games Basketball debutants Canada in Cairns on the same day.

In total, there will be 12 preliminary matches held in both Townsville and Cairns between 5-9 April, with two matches included in each ticketed session.

At the conclusion of the Pool stage, the top two teams from Pool A will proceed to the semi-finals, whilst the bottom two teams from Pool A will play the top two teams from Pool B in the qualifying finals which will be held in Cairns (men) and Townsville (women) on 10 April. The remaining two Pool B teams will be eliminated.

The winners of the qualifying finals will then advance to the semi-final and medal matches to be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13-15 April.

The full match schedule can be viewed here: https://www.gc2018.com/sites/default/files/GC2018_Basketball_Schedule.pdf

Tickets to the Basketball preliminaries in Townsville and Cairns, presented by TAFE Queensland, can be purchased on a first come, first served basis via gc2018.com/tickets.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin CBE:

“It is an exciting day for all the competing nations and Basketball fans around the world to learn the full match schedule for GC2018.

“We are delighted that the GC2018 Basketball competition features a diverse range of competing nations from Oceania, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

“And it’s fantastic that the event cities of Townsville and Cairns are going to witness world-class basketballers in action, ensuring the benefits of the Games spread far beyond the Gold Coast.

“This will ensure the widest possible engagement and legacy as Basketball makes its second appearance at a Commonwealth Games.”

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC:

“The release of the GC2018 Basketball match schedule is another significant step for GOLDOC as we count down with just 219 days remaining before the Games begin.

“For the people of Townsville and Cairns, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness world-class basketballers in their own backyard for six consecutive days from 5-10 April.

“Townsville will witness the top-four seeded women’s teams including the Opals, whilst Cairns has the opportunity to watch the top-four seeding men’s teams, headlined by the Boomers.

“There are still tickets available for the Basketball preliminaries in Townsville and Cairns, and with adult tickets priced at just $30, this is a great opportunity for people to experience what will be the biggest sporting event in Australia this decade.”

FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker:

“It is fantastic to see the Basketball competition of GC2018 take shape. I strongly encourage all of the sports community to lock these dates in your calendar and come out to see the exciting games on offer.

“Townsville and Cairns are in for a treat; the schedule structure has been created to maximise competitiveness across the competition and ensure the best product for fans.

“With FIBA’s World Cup Qualifiers kicking off in November 2017, Australian sporting fans will be treated to their Australian Boomers playing at home. GC2018 offers fans another opportunity to see high quality national team competition on Australian soil.”

Townsville Councillor Kurt Rehbein:

“The city will be buzzing with excitement, events and entertainment when the Games come to town.

“The Commonwealth Games are going to bring athletes, media and spectators from across the globe to our city and this will bring a great boost to the Townsville economy.

“We have the basketball and Festival 2018 going over the games period and Townsville will be showcased to the world.

“There won’t be a hotel room or restaurant table spare during the games.”

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning:

“Cairns is certainly counting the days before the first tip-off for the preliminary rounds of the men’s and women’s Basketball on April 5. 

“There’ll be plenty of interest in the women’s match between our neighbours New Zealand and Malaysia in the first round of the women’s competition, however I am certain our city will ignite for the Australian Boomers against Canada on day two of competition.

“The Boomers will be sure to attract attention both on and off the court following their recent success in the Asian Cup, and Cairns is the ideal place to host these preliminary rounds.

“I encourage everyone in Cairns to get on board and grab their tickets while there are still some remaining.”

History of basketball at the Commonwealth Games

Basketball has only been played once before at the Commonwealth Games when Melbourne hosted the event in 2006.

Australia was victorious in both the men’s and women’s competitions in 2006, proving too strong for New Zealand in the respective gold medal matches.

Fast forward 12 years and the host nation will be out to defend both its gold medals.

Despite being one of the strongest Basketball nations in the world, Canada will be making its debut in both men’s and women’s competitions.

Cameroon will also hit the court for the first time in the men’s competition and Jamaica will be first-time representatives in the women’s draw.

Venues

Preliminary rounds (5-10 April):

- Cairns Convention Centre
- Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre

Finals (13-15 April):

- Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre