The top four teams from the Sal’s NBL regular season will battle it out in Christchurch this weekend for the chance to walk away champions in 2019.
Competition favourites the Cigna Wellington Saints have a rematch with last year’s Grand Final winners the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks in the first semi-final at Horncastle Arena on Saturday (July 20) at 3:10pm.
The second semi-final will be contested by hosts the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Ram and the second-placed Taylor Bay Hawks at the same venue later that day at 6:10pm.
"We want to deliver great basketball, lots of fun and excitement and do it all at family-friendly prices," said NBL GM Justin Nelson when he arrived to inspect Horncastle Arena on Wednesday.
"This is a brilliant venue and everyone at the Canterbury Rams have done an exceptional job in bringing the event together. Now it's over to the people of Christchurch to grab their tickets and get along."
While the first semi-final doesn’t tip-off until Saturday afternoon, the Final 4 weekend itself kicks off officially tomorrow morning.
Starting at 11:15 tomorrow (Friday, July 19), the public is invited to Horncastle Arena to watch some of the stars playing this weekend as they prepare for their big games. Fans will have the opportunity after team practice to meet with their on-court idols for photos and autographs.
The Steven Adams High School Invitationals will also take place at Horncastle Arena this weekend. The girl’s game is to be played before the first semi-final at 12:10pm and the boy’s game before the Grand Final on Sunday at 3:10pm. Admittance to both games requires a Final 4 ticket, which can be purchased here.
Finally, the FIBA Naismith Trophy (World Cup) makes it sole stop in Aotearoa at the end of this week and will be showcased at Horncastle Arena on both Saturday and Sunday. Those at the Final Four are presented with two chances to take a photo alongside the trophy, the first of which will be on Saturday between 2.00-6.30pm and Sunday between 3.00-6.30pm.
FINAL 4 SCHEDULE
FAN FREE FRIDAY - open from 11am / court access at 11:15am on Friday (July 19) at Horncastle Arena.
Come and see all four teams going through their final preparations before Saturday's semi-finals. It's free entry and everyone is welcome.
11:15am - 11:45am: Canterbury Rams
12:45pm - 1:15pm: Wellington Saints
2:15pm - 2:45pm: Southland Sharks
3:45pm - 4:15pm: Hawke's Bay Hawks
4:30pm: Media Conference with the four Coaches and Captains
6:00pm: Annual Awards Night (ticketed) at Christchurch Casino
SATURDAY
12:10pm - Steven Adams High School Invitational Girls
3:10pm - Sal's NBL Semi-final / Wellington Saints vs Southland Sharks
6:30pm - Sal's NBL Semi-final / Hawke's Bay Hawks vs Canterbury Rams
SUNDAY
3:10pm - Steven Adams High School Invitational Boys
6:30pm - Sal's NBL Grand Final
SINGLE DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Single Day Passes (from $12) and Weekend Passes (from $23) are now on sale here.
