The event is organized by Šiauliai Arena together with BC “Šiauliai”, the Basketball Academy “Saulė” and Šiauliai Arena. Although the venue changes due to weather conditions, the main program remains – visitors can expect a 3×3 basketball tournament, meetings with basketball teams and legends, performances by young Šiauliai artists, the “Civic Alley” and entertainment for the whole family.
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“The weather dictated its conditions this time, so we decided not to risk visitors’ comfort and safety – the event is moved indoors to the arena. However, the good news is that the meeting will take place and the program remains. We want this day to be a true season opening celebration for the whole community – regardless of what the thermometers or weather forecasts show,” says Jovita Gadeikienė, the event manager of Šiauliai Arena.
3×3 tournament will start the season opening celebration
The event program will start at 9 a.m. with the beginning of the 3×3 basketball tournament. Children, youth, and adults will compete. Interest in the tournament was high this year – team registration is already closed.
At 11 a.m., visitors can look forward to a meeting with BC “Šiauliai” and the women’s basketball team “Šiauliai-Vilmers”. The event host will once again be BC “Šiauliai” game announcer and event host Justinas Niauronis.
Visitors attending the event will also be able to greet and take photos with the club’s mascot Jautukas, and the festive mood will be created by the Šiauliai team dancers.
After the meeting, at 11:20 a.m., there will be a talk with basketball legends Darius Songaila and Antanas Sireika.
Around 2:30 p.m., the 3×3 tournament winners will be awarded. All tournament participants will receive a ticket to the A. Mikšys Cup finals, and one team will receive a special Šiauliai Arena prize – a VIP box for selected basketball games.
Music stage – for young Šiauliai talents
The event’s music stage is given to the city’s young creators. At 11:50 a.m., K.A.$.H, “DE CAPO”, ALEX JAZZ, “EKSTRA”, “MANO KIEMAS GRAŽUS” and “SAULĖS SMŪGIS” will perform on the arena’s music stage. Young Šiauliai performers will have the opportunity to present their work to the city audience.
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The organizers emphasize that the event stage is an opportunity for young talents to take their first steps in front of a larger audience.
“It is important to us that the arena is a space not only for professional sports or big concerts. We want to give a chance to those who are just starting their creative path today. Perhaps for one of them, this performance will be the first step onto the big arena stage in the future,” says J. Gadeikienė.
“Civic Alley” and entertainment for the whole family
From 9:30 a.m., visitors can enjoy the “Civic Alley” and a play area.
A special focus on the little participants of the event has become a tradition. Friends of Šiauliai Arena and the club “Happy Balloon” will take care of face painting, temporary tattoos, a soap bubble fiesta, “Slime” adventures, and cotton candy. Additionally, zaidi.lt will invite to try various games – “Korys”, “Sukutis”, “ZigZag”, ring tossing, and samurai sticks.
“It’s great that even with the change of venue, we can preserve the event’s content. There will definitely be no shortage of entertainment for the little ones, and most importantly – the whole family will be able to spend time together under one roof,” says J. Gadeikienė.
In the “Civic Alley,” the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, “Niekieno vaikai”, “Šiaulių letenėlė”, the NGO “Social Innovation Center”, the Lithuanian Red Cross Šiauliai branch, Šiauliai Maltese, Šiauliai Technology Training Center, and the NGO “Human Resources Monitoring and Development Office” will present their activities. Visitors will be able to learn about the organizations’ work, volunteer opportunities, participate in educational activities, and try various activities.
Season opening program
On September 5 at Šiauliai Arena:
- 9:00 a.m. – start of the 3×3 tournament;
- 9:30 a.m. – opening of the “Civic Alley” and play area;
- 11:00 a.m. – meeting with BC “Šiauliai” and the women’s basketball team “Šiauliai-Vilmers”;
- 11:20 a.m. – talk with Darius Songaila and Antanas Sireika;
- 11:50 a.m. – performances by young Šiauliai artists on the music stage;
- ~2:30 p.m. – awarding of the 3×3 tournament winners.
The passion for sports at Šiauliai Arena will not end on the day of the event. After the season opening event, spectators can look forward to the A. Mikšys Cup finals.
- 4:00 p.m. – battle for 3rd place;
- 6:30 p.m. – final.
Tickets for the tournament are distributed by kakava.lt
The organizers invite you to come to Šiauliai Arena on September 5 with family and friends and together, despite the rainy weather, open the new basketball and event season. The event is free.
