Etihad Arena to Host Courtside Conversations at 2024 USA Basketball Showcase

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Etihad Arena is set to welcome basketball enthusiasts to a special event, Courtside Conversations with USA Basketball, on July 16 in Abu Dhabi. This event is part of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase Games happening from July 15-17. The Showcase will feature the world No. 1 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, along with the Australian Boomers, ranked fifth globally, and Serbia, ranked fourth. All teams are gearing up for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

Courtside Conversations promises an evening filled with insightful discussions featuring basketball players, legends, and senior executives. Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet and greet legendary basketball players and coaches. Fans can gain access to this experience by purchasing forum tickets for AED 500, in addition to their tickets for the Australia vs. Serbia game, available on the Etihad Arena website and Ticketmaster.ae.

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The forum will begin at 4:45 PM GST with a panel discussion titled "Global Growth of the Game." This session will focus on the importance of investing in basketball for youth, women, and minorities. The discussion will also explore how programs beyond the court can mentor leaders in various communities. Notable speakers for this panel include Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning, Jennifer Azzi, the Chief Business Development Officer for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, and Jim Tooley, the CEO of USA Basketball.

The second panel, "The Road to Paris," scheduled for 6:00 PM GST, will delve into what it takes to build a championship-caliber team and the value of teamwork. Key insights will be shared by NBA legend and Managing Director of the USA Men’s National Team, Grant Hill, and former NBA player Steve Smith.

After each panel, attendees will have the chance to engage in Q&A sessions with the speakers, with questions submitted in advance. Additionally, select fans will enjoy a meet-and-greet session with basketball legends Steve Smith and Alonzo Mourning. This exclusive experience includes on-court photo opportunities following the Australia vs. Serbia game.

This year marks the second consecutive summer that USA Basketball is hosting the USA Basketball Showcase in Abu Dhabi. The event will feature thrilling matchups, including games against Australia, the 2022 FIBA Asia champions and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, and Serbia, last year’s FIBA World Cup finalists. These games are scheduled for July 15 and 17. On July 16, Australia and Serbia will face off, with all games starting at 8:00 PM GST. Tickets are currently on sale at the Etihad Arena website and Ticketmaster.ae.

Fans of basketball are in for an unforgettable experience as they witness some of the best teams in the world prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, while also enjoying the opportunity to interact with some of the sport’s greatest legends. Don’t miss out on this unique event that combines top-tier basketball action with exclusive insights and interactions.