GAMEDAY FAN GUIDE | D1 REBELS MEN VS WORTHING THUNDER

Find out everything you need to know as a fan ahead of Rebel’s D1 Men season opener against Worthing Thunder in the National Basketball League (NBL) Division 1.

Where and When

Essex Rebels D1 Men face Worthing Thunder at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 7 October, with tip-off scheduled for 18:30 (UK).

The game will be shown live on YouTube , and you can keep across of the action and key moments on our Twitter (X), IG, and FB accounts.

Travelling to the Essex Sport Arena

Car Parking at the Essex Sport Arena: Weekend and weekday evening on-site parking is free, and there are over 1000 spaces next to the Essex Sport Arena.

Train Travel: The Essex Sport Arena is located 2 miles from Hythe Station in Colchester, and 2 miles from Wivenhoe Station.

Bus Travel: Buses from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Brightlingsea, St Osyth, Clacton, Weeley and Frating stop at the University of Essex next to the Essex Sport Arena (South Courts bus stop).

Essex Rebels ‘Tribe Takeover’ Fan Zone

To mark the end of the first week of Welcome Week, The Tribe – our official Essex Student Section – is taking over the Essex Rebels Fanzone outside the Essex Sport Arena from 4pm!

This space will feature an exciting pregame programme of activities for fans along with exclusive gameday giveaways for Tribe members. Activities include:

• Red Bull UK DJ Truck with free giveaways
• Inflatables
• Basketball Hoop
• Face paint
• Yard Games
• 360° selfie booth
• Free pregame giveaways

Students will be able to join the Tribe and pick up their free T-shirt to wear at the game. There’s something for everyone to do, so make sure you arrive early to soak up the atmosphere – you don’t want to miss out!

Food and Drink

A range of hot and cold drinks (including a licenced bar), slush puppies, hot and cold snacks, cakes, and confectionary are available from the Time Out bar throughout match day

We will have a food and drink hut operating outside the Arena throughout the Fanzone from 4-6pm serving snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks.

Award-winning Gameday Entertainment

Fast paced and action-packed fun, there is nothing like a gameday at the Essex Sport Arena, from the energy of the pre-game fanzone to larger-than-life mascot Queen B, each match day features a range of fan activities to keep you entertained throughout your visit.

Our award-winning gameday entertainment includes a live DJ, Huncho Stan on the mic, amusing sound effects during the game, competitions, half-time acts, dance-cam, kiss-cam, fan voting, bring the noise decibal meter, and much more!

We were awarded Best Gameday Experience Award from Basketball’s national governing body last season – read more here

GAMEDAY TIMINGS

TICKETS

Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased through Eventbrite .

Season ticket holders will be able to gain entry to the Essex Sport Arena using their season ticket cards. When arriving at the Arena, season ticket holders should head for the bottom floor turnstiles and a member of our event staff will scan your season cards to gain entry.

If you have yet to be issued a season card, you can redeem your season ticket at the Essex Sport Centre Reception.

CAN’T MAKE THE GAME?

Rebel fans in the UK and worldwide can watch our upcoming clash with Worthing Thunder on our Essex Rebels YouTube channel.

The action is complemented by our in-house commentary from Amir Artykov.

LAST REMINDERS

• Make sure your phone is fully charged before arriving at the Essex Sport Arena if you are scanning your ticket through Eventbrite.
• Essex Sport Arena is now a cashless venue, so be sure to bring your credit/debit cards with you.
• Have Eventbrite tickets ready on your phone to ensure a quick and easy entry to the game
• Read our Gameday Preview [Link]

Lastly – Enjoy the Game – Go Rebels!