Can’t miss blockbuster games highlight United’s home schedule

While every United home game at John Cain Arena provides a special experience for fans to get involved with Melbourne’s premier basketball organisation, the club prides itself on putting on a collection of games across the season that are simply can’t miss occasions for supporters.

This will be no different in NBL23, as United look to put on a show for all those in attendance and provide some unforgettable fan experiences.

This all starts in Round 4 with the club’s Grassroots Game, which will look to showcase its amazing collection of Grassroots Members across the state.

Taking place on 23 October, all juniors in attendance who wear their club jerseys will be invited to an exclusive post-match meet and greet with some of their favourite Melbourne United stars. 

Following this Melbourne will bring an end to an exciting October of home games with an extra spooky showdown with the Perth Wildcats on 31 October.

Taking place on Halloween night, and on the eve of the Melbourne Cup, it’s a great opportunity for supporters to get in the spirit of the scary season!

Fans won’t have to wait long until the next blockbuster matchup after the Wildcats game, as our rivalry with South East Melbourne Phoenix will tip off for the first time in NBL23 on Sunday 6 November at the family-friendly time of 4.00pm.

While the excitement of the Throwdown, delivered by DoorDash, will be at its always elite level, the game will carry some extra meaning for United, as it will also be the club’s Multicultural Game for NBL23.

The Multicultural Game was first launched in NBL21 and has been a constant for the club in every subsequent season.

To embrace the theme of the game, the team will wear a bespoke jersey integrating the flags of the countries that are represented within Melbourne United Basketball Club’s players, coaches and staff. 

United will once again embrace the inclusivity of Melbourne by holding a Multicultural Festival outside John Cain Arena prior to the start of the game.

To close out its huge month of November games, United will then turn its attention to its amazing fans as part of their annual Member Appreciation Game on 26 November.

Featuring a suite of exclusive member opportunities, such as a pre-game clinic, halftime members game, seat upgrades, and exclusive post-game member function, as well as a chance for one member to win themself an NBL24 Membership, it’s simply out of the question of any members to miss this huge contest.

This will lead into the final regular season Throwdown, delivered by DoorDash, against the Phoenix.

This will mark the 20th time the two sides have faced off since the fierce rivalry began.

Perhaps the most exciting home game on United’s schedule has been saved for its final game at John Cain Arena for 2022, when Melbourne hosts the Cairns Taipans for the much anticipated return of the Open Air Game.

After two disrupted seasons where the marquee game was not played, the fan-favourite Open Air Game will be back, with tip-off set for 7:30pm on Friday 23 December.

The event includes a spectacular pre-game show where fans watch the John Cain Arena roof open, and then enjoy an NBL match played under the setting sun and the stars.

The only way to make sure you’ve got the best seat in the house for each and every one of these unmissable games is to become a member today!

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

With tickets for all 14 of United’s home games are on sale now, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.

Melbourne United’s Full Home Schedule

• Sunday 2 October, 2pm v New Zealand Breakers
• Sunday 9 October, 4pm v Sydney Kings
• Sunday 16 October, 2pm v Tasmania JackJumpers
• Thursday 20 October, 7:30pm v Cairns Taipans
• Sunday 23 October, 4pm v Sydney Kings (Grassroots Game)
• Monday 31 October, 7:30pm v Perth Wildcats (Melbourne Cup Eve/Halloween Game)
• Sunday 6 November, 4pm v South East Melbourne Phoenix (Throwdown XVII/The Multicultural Game)
• Thursday 17 November, 7:30pm v Adelaide 36ers
• Saturday 26 November, 8pm v Tasmania JackJumpers (Member Appreciation Game)
• Saturday 10 December, 8pm v Brisbane Bullets
• Thursday 15 December, 7:30pm v South East Melbourne Phoenix (Throwdown XX)
• Sunday 18 December, 4pm v Illawarra Hawks
• Friday 23 December, 7:30pm v Cairns Taipans (The Open Air Game)
• Sunday 5 February, 2pm v Adelaide 36ers