NBA + TAB To Host 'Gary Payton’s Block Party' At Manly's Hotel Steyne

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Tabcorp (TAB), the official wagering partner of the NBA in Australia, have joined forces to present Gary Payton's Block Party in Sydney on March 23, 2024.

This free fan event is set to take over Magic's Sports Bar at Hotel Steyne on Manly Beach in a celebration of basketball and the NBA.

NBA fans are in for a treat as the event — headlined by NBA champion and Hall of Famer Gary Payton — is set to feature a jam-packed schedule of activities.

The highlight of the day will be a viewing party to watch the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN. But the festivities don't end there; attendees can look forward to fan meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions with Gary Payton himself, along with photo opportunities with the prestigious Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Named "The Glove" for his unmatched defensive skills, Gary Payton brings an illustrious 17-season NBA career to the spotlight. With accomplishments like winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006 and being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, Payton is sure to give fans and up-close and personal experience in sharing his stories.

Payton said of the event, “Between the success of Australians in the NBA and the national teams' recent triumphs on the world stage, basketball's popularity in Australia is at an all-time high. I look forward to visiting Australia once again and meeting the country’s passionate fans at my block party.”

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Kate Waugh, Head of Sponsorships for TAB, added, “At TAB, we are proud of our collaboration with the NBA to grow the sport in Australia. The TAB App is home to a thriving basketball community, and we can’t wait to bring that community together in person at Gary Payton’s Block Party in celebration of our shared passion for basketball.”

In addition to the star-studded lineup and basketball festivities, the event will feature appearances by local personalities, NBA merchandise giveaways, and much more.

For those unable to attend, the 2023-24 NBA season is being aired live in Australia on ESPN and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App. Fans can also shop for the latest NBA merchandise at NBAStore.com.au, the official online NBA Store in Australia, and at the NBA Stores in Melbourne and Sydney.

Mark your calendars for March 23, 2024, and head to Magic's Sports Bar at Hotel Steyne on Manly Beach for a slam dunk experience at Gary Payton's Block Party.