NBA in Abu Dhabi 2024: Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets
The NBA is coming back to the UAE! Yes, you read that right. In 2021, the Department of Culture and Tourism and the National Basketball Association (globally known as the NBA) signed a multi-year deal. After the tremendous response to 2022 and 2023 matches, two top teams will play out preseason matches in the capital. So read on as we present all the details about the NBA in Abu Dhabi.
PRE-SEASON NBA ABU DHABI GAMES 2024
Pre-season NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 will provide vital time for coaches to build on their ideas. In many ways, it will be a glimpse of what’s to come in the regular season. Different team combinations will be tested and marginal players will also get a chance to impress.
In 2023, NBA games in Abu Dhabi were held between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
This year, the line-up is as exciting as reigning champion Boston Celtics and 2023 champion Denver Nuggets go head-to-head. It will be a chance for the teams to test their tactics and strategies while dazzling their fans in the UAE.
DATES AND VENUE
The matches will be played at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on the 4th and 6th of October 2024.
PRE-SEASON NBA ABU DHABI TICKETS 2024
Tickets for NBA games in Abu Dhabi are available on the Ticketmaster website. NBA Abu Dhabi tickets price ranges from AED 295 to AED 2,570.
NBA FAN EVENTS
Two fan events will also be organised along with the NBA preseason games in Abu Dhabi; NBA District and NBA Fan Appreciation Day.
NBA District will be an engagement event held at Manarat Al Saadiyat Gallery from the 3rd to 6th October. Fans will have a chance to meet NBA legends, snap pictures with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, ball out on a full-size NBA court and more.
Fan Appreciation Day will be at the Etihad Arena on October 5th. Celebrity guests and musical acts will be enjoyed by attendees, including appearances by current Celtics and Nuggets players and the legendary Shaquille O’Neal.
Tickets for both events are available on Ticketmaster website with prices starting at just AED 25.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
As per the agreement signed by the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) and the NBA, the matches are just one part of the deal.
The DCT and NBA have been working in unison to promote the sport in the country. Jr NBA Abu Dhabi’s seasons have proven to be a great success with an estimated 7,000 young players and 450 coaches involved.
The deal will be an excellent way for the NBA to market the sport in the Gulf region and beyond. The presence of big stars in these pre-season matches in Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly attract new fans to the league. The aim is to get kids to play basketball professionally and find young talent.
FAQS ABOUT ABU DHABI MATCHES NBA GAMES 2024
WILL THERE BE REGULAR SEASON MATCHES IN THE UAE CAPITAL IN THE FUTURE?
Because of logistical challenges, regular season NBA games in the UAE have not been planned as yet. Long-distance travel during a condensed season remains a challenge. However, the NBA and the DCT hope a solution can be found in the long term, so fans can potentially anticipate electrifying regular season NBA games to be headed to the UAE shortly.
NBA match schedule Abu Dhabi is short and sweet for now, but we may have more matches in the future.
CAN I PLAY BASKETBALL IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, many sports clubs in Abu Dhabi have basketball courts. With the NBA coming to the UAE capital, the number of clubs will likely increase. Similarly, kids can play basketball as part of their after-school activities in Abu Dhabi. If you or your child want to try it, top sports shops in Abu Dhabi sell high-quality basketball gear.
Those living in Dubai can polish their skills at the basketball courts in Dubai, including indoor and outdoor facilities.
WHAT OTHER EVENTS CAN I ATTEND IN ABU DHABI?
Aside from NBA, you can also look forward to the remaining 2024 annual events in Abu Dhabi.
The capital city will host the NBA’s finest games, with some of the planet’s biggest stars showing off their skills. NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 will be electrifying, but the partnership between the DCT and the NBA goes beyond big-ticket events. It promises to unfurl a new era for the sport in the region, with investments being made at the grassroots level.
The UAE capital will be seeing a whole lot of basketball action because the NBA is here to stay!
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more sports-related updates.
