Tasmania JackJumpers: Venues prepare to host hordes of fans for live screenings of NBL semi-final

The Jackies face off against the Perth Wildcats in game 1 of the NBL semi-finals on Friday night as local venues prepare to host hordes of fans for live screenings of the clash.

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan. Picture: Chris Kidd.

Tasmania JackJumpers fans have been urged to rally around their team and pour into pubs across the state on Friday night as venues prepare to screen the Jackies’ hotly anticipated first semi-final clash with the Perth Wildcats.

The game, which is being played at Perth’s RAC Arena, tips off at 9.30pm Hobart time and is the first in a best of three series, with the winner bound for the Grand Final.

The Jackies have reached the postseason in every one of their three years in the league.

Speaking to reporters before flying to Perth on Thursday, star guard Jordon Crawford said the team had been playing “at a very high level for multiple games now”.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 17: Jordon Crawford of the Jackjumpers looks on during the round NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena, on February 17, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“My confidence is super high. We know we put the work in and do the day-to-day grind,” he said.

“[We’re] just taking it a day at a time. So we’re fully prepared and excited for the opportunity.”

Numerous live viewing sites will be showing the game on Friday, including MyState Bank Arena, where a free viewing party will be held in the Derwent Room.

The Telegraph Hotel will screen the game on four screens, handing out free Willie Smith’s ciders to anyone wearing JackJumpers colours.

The Tele’s licensee, Cliff Newton, said the venue was “generally at capacity” for major sport screenings.

“Anybody that can’t get to the game we really want to have in the venue, showing their colours and showing everyone how proud we are of the JackJumpers,” he said.

Finn Dare and Liam Carr-Davies staff at The Telegraph Hotel ready for the game. The Telegraph Hotel in Hobart is one of many venues showing game one of the finals series between the Tasmania JackJumpers and the Perth Wildcats from Perth. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I think all Tasmanians are super proud and excited that their home team is consistently making the finals.”

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said the Jackies were one of the most watched teams in the NBL, according to broadcast numbers.

“We’ve got this advantage of this amazing island that loves us and we just want them to actually get out and about to watch the game both on Friday night at 9.30pm and then, of course, on Monday at 7.30pm,” she said.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 28: Will Magnay of the Jackjumpers shoots during the NBL Seeding Qualifier match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Illawarra Hawks at MyState Bank Arena, on February 28, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Game 2 of the semi final series will be played at MyState Bank Arena on Monday night and is already completely sold out.

Ms Finnegan said there was currently a “special” atmosphere at the club, and while this was the team’s third straight trip to the finals, the energy felt “a little bit elevated this year”.

“That might be more that we’re more comfortable in this scenario now and we know what it’s all about,” she said.

WHERE YOU CAN WATCH GAME 1:

The Telegraph Hotel (Hobart)

Franklin Wharf Restaurant and Bar (Hobart)

Pavilion at Salamanca (Hobart)

Botanica Bar (Hobart)

The Metz (Sandy Bay)

Talbot Hotel (New Town)

MyState Bank Arena (Glenorchy)

Sports Garden Hotel (Launceston)

Molly Malones (Devonport)

Little Green Men Brewing / British Hotel (Deloraine)