Phoenix Head to Wangaratta For Pre-Season Clash

The game will be held at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre for its first marquee clash on the revamped show court.

900 local residents will be treated to the matchup between two of the most rejuvenated rosters in the competition, with this fixture the first time the likes of Derrick Walton Jr, Joe Wieskamp, Next Star Malique Lewis and a host of other recruits first feature for the Phoenix.

It will also be the first time Nathan Sobey faces his former team, after a long and storied career with the Bullets ended with his trade to the Phoenix in the off-season.

South East Melbourne CEO Tommy Greer said the game would be another opportunity for the Phoenix to get in front of a regional audience and showcase the game across Victoria.

“We’ve had great success heading regionally out to Traralgon, and this is another brilliant chance to get in front of a crowd that may not have the opportunity to watch elite sport regularly,” Greer said.

“This game also forms a huge part of our pre-season preparations so expect a highly-competitive, highly-entertaining bout between the two teams.”

250km north-east of Melbourne, Wangaratta is home to over 29,000 residents and recently had its basketball stadium redeveloped in an $12.9M collaboration between the Victorian State Government and Rural City of Wangaratta.

Wangaratta Basketball's President Adam Maher saids that the development of the stadium has been a great addition to the community and is a great way to showcase this clash.

"We're so excited to partner with the Phoenix to provide this opportunity to the community in their own backyard," Maher said.

The Rural City of Wangaratta’s Mayor, Dean Rees, is thrilled that this game will be part of the official stadium opening.

“Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is proud to unveil our new premium show court to our local community and host this NBL pre-season game.  Basketball continues to grow in popularity in the region, and this game will contribute to its growth.”

Tickets for the game between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Brisbane Bullets will go on sale via Ticketek on August 1.