Dubbed ‘The Throwdown’, it will be Melbourne’s first NBL derby clash between 2018-19 Grand Finalists Melbourne United and new comers South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Since 2000, Melbourne Arena has played host to nearly 2,000 major events from the Australian Open to NBL, International Ice Hockey, cycling, boxing, dancesports, netball, gymnastics, Disney On Ice, and other superstars.

Stage One improvements bring an NBA-like atmosphere to Melbourne Arena, taking the fan experience to a whole new level with installation of new enhanced lighting on the court’s ‘cube’ audio-visual advancements, a 15-metre main entry LED screen, two new scoreboards, new corporate seating stages as well as broadcast upgrades now complete.

Further audio visual, lighting and safety upgrades are planned as well as providing even more opportunities for fans to get closer to the action on match day.

The Victorian Government has invested $13 million to improve the arena, with the Melbourne & Olympic Parks contributing $2.4 million. The investment is part of the Government’s commitment to make Victoria: The Basketball Capital of Australia.

This also includes the redevelopment of the State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South ($82 million), a business case into the construction of a new arena at the State Basketball Centre ($1 million) and the expansion of Basketball Victoria’s high-performance programs through the establishment of seven regional hubs ($5 million).