REBELS ANNOUNCE AUTUMN/WINTER GAMEDAY THEMES FOR 2023-24 SEASON
Essex Rebels are excited to announce a special line-up of gameday themes for the first half of the upcoming season.
Essex Rebels Basketball returns to the Essex Sport Arena for the start of the 2023-24 season on Saturday 7 October when our Men’s team face off against Worthing Thunder in the Season Opener.
To mark the occasion, fans are encouraged to join us for a special Tribe Takeover of the Rebels Fanzone from 4pm where we will be hosting a range of exciting fan activities before the game, including Red Bull UK DJ Truck with free giveaways, inflatables, yard games, 360° selfie booth and refreshments.
Fan-favourites such as Spooky Hoops and the Rebels Christmas Special return on 21st October and 16th December respectively, whilst new additions have been added to the gameday calendar, including a Diwali Celebration themed game when the men’s team matchup against Thames Valley Cavaliers on Saturday 11th November, and our first ever Spooky Spikes as we extend Halloween celebrations to Volleyball this season for an exciting doubleheader on Sunday 29th October.
The highlight of the term will undoubtedly be on Saturday 18 November when we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the University of Essex and attempt to break the WBBL record attendance – again. This will be a momentous occasion with a gameday like no other to honour the history of the University, including a pre-game fanzone, promotional giveaways, and a special half-time Alumni music performance.
Shaun Conlon, Head of Sports Engagement, had this to say about the exciting line-up of gameday themes:
“Having won the Outstanding Gameday Experience Award last year, we were determined to go even bigger and better in enhancing the gameday experience for the upcoming season, especially to mark the Universities 60th Anniversary celebrations this year”
“We proudly boast some of the best basketball and volleyball fans in the country and have working tirelessly this summer to offer another exciting programme of themes and gameday promotions that will give our student and community Rebel fans more unforgettable experiences at the Essex Sport Arena’”
In addition to gameday themes, we will also be running student and fan promotions throughout the year. We highly recommend you follow us on our social channels where additional information regarding pregame activities and promotions associated around our gamedays will be announced leading up to the event.
For a full list of Essex Rebels Basketball fixtures, please click here.
For a full list of Essex Rebels Volleyball fixtures, please click here.
The full list of home gameday themes for the first half of the season can be found below:
AUTUMN/WINTER TERM 2023
Saturday 7 October | SEASON OPENER |18:30 TO | Basketball | Essex Rebels D1 Men vs. Worthing Thunder
- Essex Rebels Basketball returns to the Essex Sport Arena for the start of the 2023-24 season! To mark the occasion, fans are encouraged to join us for a special Tribe Takeover of the Rebels Fanzone pre-game from 4pm. The fanzone will feature an exciting pregame programme of activities including: Red Bull UK DJ Truck with free giveaways, inflatables, yard games, 360° selfie booth, giveaways, and refreshments.
- Secure your tickets for the Season Opener now
- Student Promotion: First 300 students receive official Tribe Black or Red tee at Tribe Takeover Fanzone (must be a Tribe member to receive this)
Saturday 21 October | SPOOKY HOOPS | 16:00 TO | Basketball Doubleheader | Essex Rebels Women vs. London Lions / Essex Rebels D1 Men vs Barking Abbey
- Our fan-favourite Spooky Hoops is back! Don’t miss out on the chance to witness basketball and Halloween collide in this one-of-a-kind extravaganza that will leave you both amazed, spooked, and howling for more. Join us for an evening of electrifying sports action, eerie entertainment, and ghoulishly good times. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their most creative and spooky Halloween costumes and have a chance of winning the best dressed half-time competition.
- Buy Tickets Now
- Student Promotion: TBC
Sunday 29 October | SPOOKY SPIKES | 12:30 FBS | Volleyball Doubleheader | Essex Rebels Men vs. Richmond Docklands / Essex Rebels Women vs London Lionhearts
- From the team that brought you Spooky Hoops, we introduce to you our first ever Spooky Spikes as we extend Halloween celebrations to Volleyball this season. Get ready for a Halloween spooktacular of volleyball at the eerie Essex Sport Arena. Spectators are encouraged to wear their most creative and terrifying costumes with the best-dressed having the chance to win exclusive prizes.
- Buy Tickets Now
- Student Promotion: TBC
Saturday 11 November | DIWALI CELEBRATION SPECIAL | 18:30 TO | Basketball | Essex Rebels D1 Men vs Thames Valley Cavaliers
- Get ready for a fusion of sports and culture as we will celebrate Diwali as the newest addition to our gameday theme calendar. This will be a basketball game like no other, infused with the vibrant spirit of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Join us for an evening of hoops action, cultural festivities, and a celebration of unity.
- Buy Tickets Now
- Student Promotion: TBC
Saturday 18 November | UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION GAME | 16:00 TO | Basketball Doubleheader | Essex Rebels Women vs Oaklands Wolves / Essex Rebels D3 Men vs ARU
- From humble beginnings to six decades of excellence, we are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the University of Essex. This will be a momentous occasion with a gameday like no other to honour the history of the University, including a pre-game fanzone, t-shirt giveaways, and a special half-time Alumni music performance. Whether you’re a proud alumnus, an Essex student, or a Rebels fan, you won’t want to miss this special occasion that promises a day of nostalgia and celebration.
- Attempt to break the WBBL Attendance Figure again!
- Secure your tickets now and be part of this historic milestone in our University’s journey!
- Student Promotion: TBC
Saturday 16 December | CHRISTMAS SPECIAL| 13:00 TO | Basketball Tripleheader | Essex Rebels D3 Men vs Cambridge Cats / Essex Rebels Women vs. Sheffield Hatters / Essex Rebels D1 Men vs London Elite
- The Rebels Christmas Special is back! Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before at the Rebels Christmas Special, a heart-warming Christmas basketball game that blends sportsmanship with the spirit of giving. Join us for an unforgettable day of on-court action, festive cheer, and a meaningful toy drive to bring smiles to children in need (more information on the toy drive soon to come).
- Ticket Information to be released soon
- Student Giveaway: TBC
Tickets are available for home games up until Christmas, Click here to buy now, with the Christmas Special and 60th Anniversary ticket information to be announced shortly.
