AusLeisure

Further fan discontent relating to the Australia versus United States International Basketball Series fixtures at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium has emerged overnight with fans at the first of the games complaining that they couldn't see the action.

While more than 50,000 people attended the pre-FIBA World Cup exhibition match in Melbourne’s Docklands last night, many complained they couldn't see the game because their seats were too far away or their view was blocked by other people's heads.

Played on a temporary court with a raised floor in the middle of the AFL-owned stadium, fans in premium courtside seats claimed their view was blocked.

Courtside fans were also unimpressed that their courtside seating consisted of plastic chairs.

Having paid $1,500 for his ticket, Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe was among those who took to Twitter so share his unhappiness, tweeting “Joke’s on me … if you weren’t among 50,000 there and you chose to watch it on tv at home, good decision.”

There was already disappointment and anger from ticketholders leading into the match, with the US team missing much of its star power.

Amid reports that thousands of disgruntled basketball fans have requested refunds, Basketball Australia and promoter TEG Live played down the controversy in a statement.

The statement advised: “Last night was the biggest basketball event ever staged in Australia, which is likely to be surpassed on Saturday when the Australian Boomers and USA Basketball battle it out again at Marvel Stadium.

“Over 51,000 fans attended the event and it is worth noting the feedback to us has been strongly positive. Clearly there have been some fans that feel their expectations were not met on their purchased seats.

“TEG Live and Marvel Stadium worked with a number of fans at the game to make alternative arrangements. Of the 11,000 fans who had purchased floor seating to last night’s game, only 200 people were relocated. They were relocated promptly without issue and just two refunds were requested.

“Tickets for the event started from $69.90, which is reasonable and typical for a major international event. Ticket prices on the floor started from $149.90 in the rear sections, increasing in price the closer the seats were located to the court. 

“We appreciate that it was a different viewing experience than many basketball fans are used to because the event was staged within a traditional football stadium.

“There were 14 massive video screens to augment the live action, including providing action replays, statistics and video pieces to keep the audience entertained.

“These games feature the best available players that have been selected to represent their respective nations at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China later this month.

“The action on the court was fantastic as the Boomers took it up to USA Basketball for most of the game but the class of the current World Champions shone through in their 102-86 victory.

The pre-game entertainment was exhilarating and created a concert-style atmosphere, setting the scene for the on-court battle.

“Basketball Australia and TEG Live are looking to a further history making encounter tomorrow at Marvel Stadium in front of an expected record crowd for a basketball game in Australia.”

Team USA won the game 102-86.

Main image shows one premium ticketholder's view of the game. Courtesy Leanne Willis/Twitter.

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