The Tauranga Classic has grown to become New Zealand’s premier basketball tournament, attracting top players from across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, and will be back in the city this Labour Weekend.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Tauranga, the Classic has grown from humble beginnings in Whanganui, where 15 teams competed in 2011, into a world-class four-day basketball showcase featuring nearly 2000 athletes across more than 200 teams.
This year’s competition will feature 641 games played across 17 courts at four venues in Tauranga. Most matches will take place at Mercury Baypark Arena, with others being played at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Mount Sports Centre and Haumaru Sports and Recreation Centre.
Co-founders Paul Berridge and KJ Allen said the event’s growth reflected basketball’s surging popularity and the tournament’s focus on creating opportunities for player development.
“The Classic has always been player-focused, giving young athletes a chance to compete, develop and connect through the game,” said Berridge.
“It’s a platform that showcases the incredible depth of basketball talent we have here in Aotearoa.”
Selected players from the Classic will also have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne in January for the Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament, which attracts more than 16,000 participants.
Berridge said Tauranga as a location has been instrumental in the event’s continued success.
“Tauranga offers a distinct combination of elements that make it the perfect home for the event – great weather, the start of daylight saving, amazing sports venues and incredible manaakitanga from Tauranga City Council,” he said.
“We want athletes to feel like pros for the weekend, and council’s ongoing support helps us achieve that.”
International players will be welcomed on Thursday with a mihi whakatau delivered by Ngā Pōtiki, alongside a kapa haka performance from Te Wharekura o Mauao.
Tauranga City councillor Kevin Schuler, who will officially welcome the international players, said the Classic reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination.
“Hosting large sporting events like this not only brings visitors and economic benefits to Tauranga but also strengthens our reputation as a great host city,” he said.
“It’s incredible to see how the Classic has grown here over the past decade and the positive impact it has on players, their whānau and the wider community is something really special.
“I’m looking forward to an action-packed weekend of sport and encourage locals and everyone visiting to take time to enjoy everything our city has on offer, including the Tauranga Arts Festival in the city centre.”
An event evaluation report from the 2023 tournament found the Classic generated an estimated $1.8 million in visitor expenditure, with more than 4000 visitors, including 100 international guests, contributing approximately 15,000 visitor nights.
The Tauranga Classic is supported by Tauranga City Council’s Major Event Fund.
Event details:
The Classic takes place from October 24-27, with games free for spectators to attend.
For event information, visit What’s On Tauranga.