The Wildcats celebrate with the championship trophy after winning game three and the NBL Grand Final series. The Wildcats begins their 2017-18 NBL season with a home game against Brisbane on October 7.
Camera IconThe Wildcats celebrate with the championship trophy after winning game three and the NBL Grand Final series. The Wildcats begins their 2017-18 NBL season with a home game against Brisbane on October 7. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

NBL: Perth Wildcats to tip off championship defence in front of home fans vs Brisbane

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

THE Perth Wildcats will open its NBL championship defence on Saturday October 7 at Perth Arena when it takes on the Brisbane Bullets.

The 2017-18 NBL schedule was released early this morning, with the opening clash with the Bullets the first of a big opening month for the reigning back-to-back champs, which includes a grand final rematch with Illawarra and clash with rivals Melbourne United to be played in front of the Red Army.

Five of the Wildcats first six games will be played at Perth Arena, with eight of the Wildcats 14 home games scheduled for Friday nights, with three on Saturday evenings.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Perth Wildcats chief executive Troy Georgiu said the fixturing was a big win for fans.

“Friday and Saturday night games provide us with the best platform to add to our already exciting game night atmosphere. Members and fans can look forward to some exciting new additions to our home game entertainment in 2017-18,” he said.

“Friday night games in particular, on average, draw an extra one to two thousand fans, as city workers head straight to Perth Arena to begin their weekend. This is crucial as a big part of our on-court success is a result of our passionate home support.

“Wildcats home games have become synonymous with summer Friday night’s in the City of Perth. It’s great news for our fans that we have eight home Friday night games at Perth Arena this season.”

The Wildcats longest stretch of away games is four over the New Year period, with a challenging three road games in just seven days.

The regular season concludes with a Sunday game at home against Cairns Taipans on February 18.

“We believe this season’s schedule is one of our most fan-friendly ever. We’re aiming to reach 12,000 members and there’s no better time to join the club as we chase our first ever three-peat,” Mr Georgiu said.

The Perth Wildcats full 2017-18 NBL schedule is here.

MORE: Man who was told he would never walk or talk again completes 2100km bike ride along WA coast for Telethon

MORE: Police search for man who hit child in Balga park

MORE: Award-winning florist remembers her Vietnamese heritage

MORE: Cleaner Communities: full list of Perth cafes offering a discount for reusable coffee cups