Sunshine Coast set to host special Caloundra clash

Feature image via: Taylor Earnshaw 

The NBL1 North's Sunshine Coast Phoenix is set to host a special Caloundra clash at the start of June in preparation for the 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 National Finals. 

The Sunshine Coast Council is the official destination partner of the event, co-hosting the tournament across the University of Sunshine Coast and Caloundra Indoor Stadium from August 16-18. 

The Phoenix wants to represent the entire Sunshine Coast, not just their usual home of Maroochydore. They’ll provide a preview of what the National Finals will look like in Caloundra against Townsville on June 1st. 

“We are about basketball all over the Sunshine Coast,” Phoenix General Manager and Men’s head coach Sean Page told 7 News. 

“We want to make sure all our members all the way from Noosa to Caloundra, including the central part of the coast Maroochydore, all have an opportunity to be involved in our programs.

“This is also a fantastic venue. A venue that’s already been chosen for the NBL1 National Finals. To bring a game down here in the lead-up to that seems pretty natural as well.” 

Caloundra local Cooper Urquhqart said the stadium holds a lot of memories for juniors in the area. 

“[We’ve] played Monday night social comp here for years and years, so I’m excited,” he said.

“I grew up in Caloundra, my family lives in Caloundra. Friends and family all make the effort to come up to Maroochydore to watch our games.” 

Page said that Noosa is a target for a game next season, possibly in the preseason due to their current capacity. They are hoping to spread the Phoenix from the bottom to the top of the Sunshine Coast. 

With both Darnell Robateau and Kobe McDowell-White nursing injuries over the Phoenix’s bye in Round 4, they should be closer to playing for this weekend’s massive double-header against the North Gold Coast Seahawks on Friday night and Cairns at Maroochydore on Saturday. 

Watch the North Gold Coast Seahawks host the Phoenix from 6:00pm AEST live on Friday night, streaming via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.

You can also watch the NBL1 North Game of the Week on Saturday between the Phoenix and Cairns from 5:30pm AEST Live and Free via Kayo Freebies. 

For further information on the official destination of the National Finals, head to www.visitsunshinecoast.com