Adelaide 36ers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Lights, Baskets, and a Magpie: Capturing the 36ers First Game of the Season
As an Adelaide event photographer, I’ve been to some lively events, but photographing the first NBL game of the 24/25 season? Pure magic! The Adelaide 36ers took on the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the one and only Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and let me tell you—it was a SLAM DUNK (both figuratively and literally)!
A Pre-Game Warm-Up... for Everyone
Before we even got to the game itself, the vibes were already next level. Picture this: the crowd filtering into the arena, some nervously eyeing the free throw game (spoiler: most shots were… character-building), others with their faces painted like they were heading into war. The face painting station was an absolute hit, kids and adults alike walking around with fierce expressions and, uh, more abstract designs.
Of course, food treats were flowing like the rain that night! I spotted donuts, hot dogs, popcorn, and a few brave souls juggling all three. Shoutout to the guy in Row G who managed to hold his tray with zero spillage — that’s a level of coordination I aspire to in my photography.
Tip-Off: Here We Go!
By the time the 36ers hit the court, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre was absolutely buzzing. The air? Electric. The crowd? Hype. Me? Trying to keep my camera steady as I was tempted to throw up a three-pointer from the sidelines (don’t worry, I stuck to shooting pics).
The 36ers didn’t disappoint, finishing with a 93-83 win. But let’s be real, half the fun was everything happening around the game. Enter Murray the Magpie, the team’s mascot and quite possibly the best wingman (pun 100% intended) I’ve ever seen. This bird’s got moves! Whether he was running through the stands, leading chants, or pulling off an impromptu dance battle with a toddler, Murray made sure the crowd was absolutely pumped.
Half-Time Shenanigans
And then, the real show-stopper: halftime. While the players were catching their breath, the 36ers cheerleaders were busy taking ours away. Their routine was sharp, high-energy, and perfectly in sync with the crowd’s roars. I’m not saying I’ve been practicing my toe-touches since then, but… let’s just say my living room floor has seen some action. The DJ was on fire.
Wrapping It Up
By the final whistle, the Adelaide 36ers had secured the W, and my camera was packed with killer shots of the action. From the thrilling game to the buzzing atmosphere, this event was everything you’d want from an NBL season opener.
So, if you need an Adelaide event photographer to capture your next big bash, or you're hitting up the next 36ers game and want some pro pics in the best venue in town (looking at you, Adelaide Entertainment Centre), hit me up. I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to shoot—whether it's a slam dunk or just you juggling nachos.
Until the next shot, Yanni Ko
