The 12th of April this year is going to be pretty special. Not just because it’s my birthday, and therefore the most important day of the year, but because the Harlem Globetrotters are finally coming to the Sunshine Coast. For those of you who don’t know, the Harlem Globetrotters is an independent team of American players prized for their showmanship, athletic ability, and trick shot skills. They travel the Globe, hence the name, putting on displays of skill the likes of which you’ve never seen before. This really is the ultimate basketball fan’s event, and there’s no way I’m missing out.

Historically speaking, the Harlem Globetrotters are an incredibly important team. Before the meteoric rise of the National Basketball Association, when the professional sport was still finding its feet and was refusing to sign African American players, the Globetrotters found their start. Playing mostly independently as a side-show for many years, the Globetrotters eventually found their way to the World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning in 1940, following up this victory again in 1948, and defeating the most famous and whitest team in America at that time – the Minneapolis Lakers (Now the LA Lakers). In the 1950s the NBA began to grow to the point of note and began fielding African-American players. Many of the first African-American NBA players came from the Globetrotters themselves – as the Globetrotters have always represented an incredible level of skill and talent amongst its ranks. As a kid, I grew up idolising these players and dreaming about one day seeing the amazing and dazzling Harlem Globetrotter show, and now I finally have the chance, right here on the Sunshine Coast.

At 7 pm on April 12th, the gates at the University of the Sunshine Coast arena will be open, signalling the start of a one of a kind show that truly cannot be forgotten. There are a number of ticket packages that offer additional benefits at the show, from better seating to pre and post game behind the scenes access, time on the court with the players, and of course an autograph signing. Tickets begin at just $29 to see the full show and experience, which truly is a cheap day out for anyone with a passion for basketball.

For more information on the event and to book your ticket, visit the official Harlem Globetrotter’s website here.