The stage has been set for Melbourne United's first home game of the NBL21 season.
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United will host the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday for "Throwdown V" at the Bendigo Stadium, the club's new home away from home.
United's chief executive officer Vince Crivelli said playing in Bendigo had been a long-time aspiration for the club.
"We had a conversation around five years ago when this facility (Bendigo Stadium) was being developed," Crivelli said.
"It's always something we as a club aspired to do, but didn't have the opportunity.
"COVID-19 has been a horrible thing for so many reasons, but also allowed us to embrace this opportunity that's been sitting here for so long which we haven't been able to activate."
United will play the first of three home games at Bendigo Stadium when it takes on the Phoenix, followed next week with another clash on February 7 against Perth Wildcats.
Looking to the future Crivelli said playing in Bendigo was something the club wanted to do every year.
"We want this to be ongoing," he said.
"There is some amazing talent coming through the region and we want to tap into it with opportunities both on and off the court."
The revising of the NBL schedule delayed the United-Phoenix game in Bendigo by three weeks. It was originally scheduled as the competition's season-opener on January 10.
Crivelli thanked the City of Greater Bendigo for its ongoing support in bringing NBL events to the region.
"We're thrilled and humbled to bring the NBL back to Bendigo as the city has a rich history and future for our sport."
United opened the NBL21 season with a pair of back-to-back wins over Cairns (87-85) and Adelaide (89-65).
"Our players are unbelievably excited to be back in competition mode, apart from the two games this season, prior to that February last year were their most recent matches," Crivelli said.
"It's a long time for athletes to be stuck in a box working on practice courts, so they are all bubbling with enthusiasm to play."
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Jennifer Alden was thrilled to see NBL return to the region.
"I look forward to an ongoing relationship between the City, United and the NBL in holding future opportunities," Cr Alden said.
Behind the scenes there has been endless work take place in order to make game day possible.
"We're fortunate to have this game as one of the first events of its kind in Victoria in such a long time," Cr Alden said.
"A lot of effort has gone into organising the match and thank you to all for making this a COVID-19 safe event."
Due to Victorian restrictions the current capacity has been capped at 50 per cent which is approximately around 2000 people.
There is potential that before the second United game on Sunday February 7, that capacity can be increased to 75 per cent.
- Melbourne United v SE Melbourne Phoenix this Sunday 3pm at the Bendigo Stadium
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