It’s all fun and games for the “smallest fans” when the UC Capitals play at home – from freebies and free shots to seeing super-charged talent in action. Photo: UC Capitals.
When the music’s pumping and the crowd starts jumping, it’s hard to beat the super-charged atmosphere of a UC Capitals home game, says announcer Joe Gleeson.
“The thing that makes basketball so great is the pace is really engaging,” he says.
“There’s not really any downtime. As soon as the game starts, it’s on!”
As the operations manager and game announcer for the Canberra-based WNBL team, it’s Joe’s job to help whip fans into a frenzy when the Caps are on their stomping ground at the AIS Arena.
With a Dance Cam at the ready and the pounding beat of Kris Kross’s ‘Jump’ – an oldie but a goodie – blasting at full volume, wild dance moves from the crowd are encouraged.
The fun is fast and furious pretty much every time the whistle blows.
“We have a lot of fun on game days,” Joe says.
“During a time out or at quarter-time, we drag kids up from the sidelines to see who can get the crowd to make the most noise.
“Or we run around with the Dance Cam, and whoever is being the most ridiculous gets freebies and prizes thrown their way.
“We stretch that out at half-time with on-court competitions and other activities.”
It’s all about getting behind the nine-time championship-winning team and ensuring “our players feel the love from the crowd”, according to Joe.
“We do encourage our small fans to join in; it’s a really family-friendly atmosphere.”
Junior tickets are half-price in January, so with the next four games to be played at home, on January 5, 11, 25 and 30, it’s a great time to check out these supremely talented athletes in action.
“In many ways, unfortunately, the Caps are a well-kept secret around Canberra,” Joe says.
“These girls are just the most incredible role models for young female athletes.
“One of our strengths is we give people good access to the girls. After the game they get a moment to stretch, we put chairs out on the court for players, the kids can grab a free poster, and line up for signatures and a selfie.”
In the lead-up to home games, Basketball ACT and Ford Aussie Hoops offer activities for budding basketballers to try their hand at passing, dribbling and shooting.
Joe says everyone loves seeing people getting about in Caps colours. For die-hard fans, there are four jersey colours covering home and away games, Indigenous rounds and a recent yellow retro addition celebrating 40 years in the game.
“Our fans love getting jerseys with the number and name of their favourite player,” he says.
With the recently renovated AIS Arena boasting a 4200-seat capacity, Joe would love to see the UC Capitals home games packed out every single time.
“The competition is really exciting and you never know what’s going to happen; so often you get really close games,” he explains.
When it’s super close, they pump up the volume again with the rousing ‘Seven Nation Army’ (by the White Stripes) to bring the vibe.
Joe admits it was the “razzle dazzle” that first drew him to basketball, the only sport he’s ever played.
“I came into it watching the likes of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan and those ridiculous shots,” he says.
“But you know what? When (UC Capitals captain) Jade Melbourne runs down the court, gets hit by a defender and still gets a shot up over them, well, everyone loses their mind. Jade’s as tough as nails.
“Then you’ve got the likes of big Charli Collier who, at 195 cm, is super strong and athletic. If she wants to get to the ring, don’t stand in her way!
“So if you’re not there for the freebies and you’re not there for the music, just be there to watch some really good sport!”
The UC Capitals take on Geelong this Sunday at AIS Arena. Tip-off at 12:30 pm. Get your tickets from Ticketek.
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