BALLARAT is locked in as the host of the NBL 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships in what promises to be a school holiday basketball extravaganza for the city.
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More than 700 participants representing upwards of 170 teams are expected to make their way to the city for the event which has been confirmed for January 22 and 23 next year.
The Ballarat Sports and Event Centre was originally slated to host the championships in October, but the pandemic, which has contributed to a slight delay in the completion of the new courts, has meant the event has been pushed back a few extra months.
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But the new dates, in the height of the summer school holidays, will make for a huge weekend in Ballarat as business looks to recover.
It will also be a welcome return for representative basketball after the past two Queens's Birthday tournaments have been forced to be cancelled due to ongoing lockdowns and restrictions.
"Based on the current situation with Covid around the country and expert advice, we've elected to move the event to ensure we can get the best outcomes for everyone involved," 3x3Hustle manager Jaele Patrick said.
"The community's health and safety is paramount and at the forefront of all our decision-making. We can't wait to see the city come to life with thousands of people including the players, support teams and spectators."
Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said the city was thrilled to lock in the announcement. "The City of Ballarat is fully committed to hosting the 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships," he said.
"We are excited to welcome the teams and basketball fans to Ballarat in January for what is set to be an entertaining weekend.