First derby for city as teams go head to head
THE Battle of Manchester Series Manchester Giants will take on NBL Division One side Manchester Magic in a two-game ‘Battle of Manchester Series’ in September.
Magic will visit the Trafford Sportsdome on Sunday, September 16 (5pm tip), with the return game at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Tuesday, September 18 (8pm tip).
The games provide two further opportunities for the new look Giants roster to prepare for the new British Basketball League season, which begins with a trip to Sheffield Sharks on Friday, September 21.
New signings Mike McCall Jr, Vlatko Granic and Willie Clayton have already joined Callum Jones and Ingus Bankevics in the Giants roster, with more signings due to be announced imminently.
Giants head coach Danny Byrne said: “This game has been a long time coming, and I know there’s always been talk of Giants playing Magic.
“Speaking with Ollie, we now feel that the time is right to put together this showpiece for basketball in the north west.
“It’ll be good to put on a show for both sets of fans.
“It’s going to be exciting and hope- fully we can make this a permanent fixture in the calendar.” Magic head coach Aurimas Verbukas added: “This game is long overdue! The Battle of Manchester for Manchester basketball fans. For our sport!
“Two of the biggest clubs in the north west will play for the first time against each other and that is great news.
“Manchester United vs Manchester City have their own derby, so Myself and Danny Byrne thought why can’t basketball in our city have that?
“Danny is a good friend of mine and both of us agree that a healthy battle between our teams will be a great advert for our sport.”
Ticket prices for both games will be £5 adults, £2.50 children and concessions, £12.50 family (2 adults + 3 children).
Tickets for the Giants home game are now on sale at www.manchestergiants.com/tickets
This game is long overdue. The Battle of Manchester for Manchester basketball fans Aurimas Verbukas