Prepare for an extraordinary sporting event as Abu Dhabi hosts a groundbreaking fusion of football and basketball legends during NBA Fan Appreciation Day. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a spectacular event that is set to captivate audiences.
On October 5, within the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, the NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi will showcase an unprecedented hybrid match titled ‘Clash of the Legends’. Renowned football stars will trade the soccer field for the basketball court in an exhilarating 3x3 game, filled with anticipation and camaraderie.
For the first time, Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos, Portuguese great Luís Figo, and Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas will demonstrate their basketball skills alongside their football prowess. They will compete against the likes of Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Gerard Piqué in this unique basketball setting at Etihad Arena.
“I’m eager to face off against Ronaldinho, Thierry, and Gerard once more. Fans recall our intense football battles, and bringing that competitive spirit to the basketball court will be truly memorable,” Casillas remarked.
“I’ve spent the most time using my hands, so hopefully, that experience will translate onto the court. Roberto will electrify as our point guard, and Luís will excel in crucial moments,” Casillas added.
“I believe this will be historic because, for the first time, we will compete against each other in basketball,” Piqué noted. “We’ve had numerous epic matches on the pitch, and rekindling that rivalry on a basketball court will generate a lot of excitement and competition. I’m a huge NBA fan and have attended many games. With Ronaldinho and Thierry on my team, we’ll bring the magic!”
Piqué further commented on what fans can anticipate: “We aim to put on a fantastic show. NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi is about celebrating the essence of sport and providing attendees with unforgettable memories. We’ll give our all on the court.”
The NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi will also include a performance by the acclaimed American rapper 2 Chainz. Attendees will enjoy a range of fan-centric activities featuring Celtics and Nuggets players, a skills challenge and three-point contest, NBA team mascot appearances, a slam dunk contest with professional dunkers, musical performances, and more.
Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 presented by ADQ on October 4 and 6 are available for purchase at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae.
