With the NBL Finals starting on Wednesday 5th August, there are very many fans who may come to watch the league for the first time. Some have also taken long and there is expected to be a high number of fans around.

For any fan that hasn’t been watching a lot of games at the Arena, here are number of things to expect.

Overfilled Arena

With the NBL Finals and particularly the Nam Blazers and City Oilers fixture, there is usually an influx in the number of fans that show up. As thus, very many people are at the game and the Arena is filled to more than the capacity. Some fans sit on the staircase; others squeeze in-between the seats while some opt to stand. Around the court, it is also usually packed. There is barely space for walking.

Excitement

This fixture brings a lot of excitement. Fans from walks of life usually attend and even those that no nothing about the game come. A lot of be excited just to see their stars/ friends or even after a beautiful play. It is usually all fan and games regardless of the result.

A lot of noise

One thing that you should not expect is silence. The noise starts even before the game. After dunk, block or huge 3, the noise is usually so loud it can cause ringing in one’s ears. If you can’t tolerate noise, Lugogo is not a place for you to be.

Limited parking

In case you have a car, think twice about coming with it. There is limited parking at Lugogo and it gets filled up like 3 hours to the game. Also, the fact that part of the road has been closed, it means that there will be so much traffic.

Ejections

Our referees are very emotional. If you speak to much, they may eject you. We saw during one of the games in the semifinals as the referee Baker stopped the game so that a fan could leave. Also, if you sit near the team benches, you could be given a technical. If you think it’s a joke, as the Rezlife Saints Pastor.

Fans also have obligations. If you throw anything on the court or towards a player or official, you have to be escorted out and you cannot return. In case you are involved in chaos or fights, you may also be thrown out of the Arena.

There are so many things that happen at the games and the experiences vary from person to person. However, while at the games, there are some do’s and don’ts’s. We shall delve into them.

Do’s

Cheer for team: While at the game, you can cheer for your team or player or officials much as you want. You may sing, scream, shout, clap, whistle, talk or simply keep silent.

While at the games, you can also take pictures with players: This can happen after the game but remember, the players are not obliged to allow you to take photos with them. In case they refuse, don’t take it in bad faith.

Take part in fans challenges: There are usually fans challenges that take place and there are prizes to be won. Any fan is free to take part in the challenge that has been set as per the guidelines.

Don’ts

Start fights: Fighting is highly prohibited as it can could cause harm to you and other people the players included. If you engage in a fight while in the stands, you could be escorted out by security.

Throw items towards the players, officials or other fans. This is highly prohibited and anyone who does it will be thrown out of the premises by security.

Things to avoid

Coming late: This is a huge game and if you come late, you will not have a place to sit. To even get a good view of the court will be very hard. If you can, arrive with about an hour or 45 minutes to the game. That way, you would have saved yourself from commotion.

Walking during the game: A lot of fans usually walk around the court, more so in front of team benches or technical table. That is not a good thing to do and people should desist from doing that. Secondly, based on previous experiences, there is usually barely space to walk. So during the game, it’s better to sit and wait for either the halftime break or end of quarter to move.

Game one of the final will be tipping off on Wednesday 5th at exactly 8:00pm at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.