Six things you need to know ahead of Townsville Tip Off

The WNBL's TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off gets underway next week, and the pre-season hit-out for all nine teams will feature a few things you won't see during the official season.

Kids Go Free

Every game - all nine of them - kids go free at the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off.

WNBL Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson recently said, "I hope every Townsville parent takes up the opportunity to bring their kids to the Tip Off for free.

"I can't think of a better way to inspire a young girl or boy."

Every Quarter Matters

Teams will be awarded one point for each quarter won in a game at the Tip Off, and three points are awarded for an overall win.

This means there are seven points up for grabs in every game, which saw the Townsville Fire claim the inaugural title in 2025.

>>SECURE YOUR TOWNSVILLE TIP OFF TICKETS NOW

Overtime Periods Will Look Different

If a game is tied at the completion of regulation time, an overtime period of one minute will be played, commencing immediately with a jump ball back in the middle of the court.

Teams will not be permitted to return to the bench; however, substitutions can be made prior to the overtime period starting.

Team fouls will not reset, and any unused team or player-only timeouts will remain in play.

If scores remain level, subsequent overtime periods under the same rules will be played.

Court Walk Is The Ultimate Experience

If you see people across the middle of the court watching, taking photos and high-fiving players while the teams are warming up for the game, don't worry - you will be watching the ultimate fan experience known as Court Walk.

Tickets are available for just $20, and fans get to stand in the middle of court during warm-ups for approximately 30 minutes.

It's an awesome way to get up close and stand right in the middle of all the pre-game action.

Three Trials To Look For

There will be three trials to look out for at the Tip Off, with the League encouraging fans to provide feedback on all three.

Look for Player Only Timeouts, players taking just one free throw for maximum points, and immediate inbound passing in the backcourt off a violation.

Two Goats On One Night

Fans attending the opening Tip Off game on Thursday, September 17 between Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx are in for an added treat with two of Australia's sporting GOATS in attendance.

Grab your ticket and come and say hello to basketball royalty Lauren Jackson and rugby league legend Jonathan Thurston.

>>SECURE YOUR TOWNSVILLE TIP OFF TICKETS NOW