Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 matches are now on sale.
“The Bucks have done it. The long wait is over. After a half century, the Milwaukee Bucks are NBA champions once again.” The words of NBA commentator Mike Breen set the scene as mountains of green ticker tape rain down on more than 17,000 ecstatic fans at the Fiserv Forum Arena as the Milwaukee Bucks win the most coveted prize in basketball, the NBA.
And while the Etihad Arena may not see the sheer outpouring of joy as Milwaukee did on that famous night in July 2021, excitement for two historic NBA pre-season matches this October is palpable among Abu Dhabi’s basketball fans as two of the league’s most powerful teams come to showcase their skills, a key fact that is not lost on Managing Director of NBA Europe and Middle East, Ralph Rivera.
“I don’t think it gets better than bringing to Abu Dhabi the reigning champions, Milwaukee Bucks and also Atlanta Hawks who they battled with in the Eastern Conference finals this past year.
“It is important to make a good first impression and we’re committed to having a tremendous impact in the region, in Abu Dhabi and the local communities.”
Tipping off on Thursday 6 and Saturday 8 October, fans will have the chance to catch two of the game’s most legendary players in the flesh, two-time finals’ MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trey Young who led the NBA’s final player standings in points and assists; a record not achieved for more than 40 years. As Ralph highlights, it is an opportunity which many followers of the game around the world are not afforded.
“The reality is that less than one per cent of our fans actually get to see a game in an arena. So, the opportunity to be able to [bring the games to Abu Dhabi] is priceless and it creates incredible memories.”
The games are the next stage in the partnership between The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the NBA that is looking to establish a love and passion for basketball in the region, following the launch of the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League and the NBA 2K League gaming exhibition at the Middle East Film & Comic-Con. And the clashes between the Bucks and Hawks will not be the only activations taking place in Abu Dhabi during the week.
“In addition to the games, we’re going to be out and about in the community throughout the week. We have a number of activities set up including youth clinics with our players and NBA Cares which is our social outreach programme.
“It is much more than an event. It is much more than a sports competition. It is a celebration of basketball and the impact that it has on its community.”
For information on tickets visit nbaevents.nba.com/abu-dhabi
