Melbourne, Thursday 2 October 2025 – History was made at Rod Laver Arena today as almost 11,000 fans turned out for the New Orleans Pelicans’ first open training session in Australia, part of the inaugural NBA × NBL Melbourne Series.
Fans got their first glimpse of global stars Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and Dejounte Murray, while NBA legends Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined the fun in a live Q&A.
The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, with the team putting the final touches on their preparations for the weekend ahead.
The Fan Zone (Bounce Nation) kept things buzzing with a mascot shoot-out, a Harlem Globetrotters showcase, and a set by Aussie hip-hop icons Bliss N Eso.
Free Fan Zone (Bounce Nation) runs daily outside Rod Laver Arena / on Melbourne Park Oval:
Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm Saturday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Free for all basketball fans)
What’s On Next
📅 Friday 3 Oct – Pelicans vs Melbourne United, 7:30pm
📅 Saturday 4 Oct – Fan Night, 6:00pm – player performances, skills contests & live music
📅 Sunday 5 Oct – Pelicans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix, 2:00pm
📅 Sunday 5 Oct – Southern Tip-Off Louisiana Luncheon at Centrepiece with Garnett, Allen, Andrew Gaze & Michele Timms
This is the NBA’s first-ever series in Australia, strengthening ties between the NBA and NBL and proving just how big basketball has become here. With tickets selling fast and broadcast coverage on Prime Video, Network 10 and NBA League Pass, this weekend will showcase Melbourne as the home of Aussie hoops.
Melbourne is buzzing, and the next three days promise to be unmissable for basketball fans. More info Visit NBA x NBL Melbourne Series
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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