Well I have only just realised that luxury Swiss watch Tissot is the official sponsor of American NBA Basketball games, thanks to my plus-one invite from Kent’s Street Fashion Sydney.
On the last day of autumn, with a cold change in the air, Kent and I layered up the clothing and turned up at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal – Cargo Hall, venue for this event. What we didn’t expect, was that this giant area would be turned into a cosy, half basketball court framed by long comfortable sofas. A large video screen with an equally huge satellite dish outside. Funky displays of Tissot watches, bar area with tables and giveaways: team caps – Warriors and Raptors; Tissot magazines and you guessed it – basketballs!
On seeing their wall-size media wall I knew we were in for a world-class treat, but first things first, ‘Champagne or Budweiser?’ Yes that was the question as I trod the red carpet into this temporary sports arena. There was also espresso coffee, from a stylish polished metal vintage Airstream trailer. I chose a glass of champagne because it always make me feel special sipping bubbles before midday, so I made sure I took advantage of that. At the same time I picked a Raptors team cap, not yet knowing who would win, the Raptors grey went rather well with my outfit.
NBA special guests made an appearance at the event: a feature of the Eastern Conference Finals, Sterling Brown of the Milwaukee Bucks and Sydney Kings-turned-Atlanta Hawks Power forward, Isaac Humphries. Sat down with NBA Australia media personalities Benyam Kidane and Carlan Gay for a pre-game Q&A; at half time a three-point contest saw Brown and Humphries play against NRL’s Josh Dugan and Lachie Whitfield of the GWS Giants. Well that’s what I call entertaining!
Sports elite, sports associates; media, fashion identities; influencers… All guests were treated with well considered and very tasty American themed food while watching Game One of the NBA Finals. Tacos, nachos; beef-and-cheese burgers, American-style Buffalo wings… The waiters made their way to the furthest corner keeping us supplied with food and drinks – thank you! It took watching the NBA Finals on a cosy couch to a grand level. Want your own Tissot? One lucky guest from the door prize draw walked away with an NBA official watch, after sinking a free throw (three shots, no score no watch) on his very first attempt!
Although we didn’t win a Tissot NBA watch, Kent and I did walk away with one NBA basketball each, and very full tummies too. We gifted the balls to some local kids and they are now bouncing on the courts in Woolloomooloo. Before we left I had a brief conversation with NBA star Sterling Brown, finding out that he is from Chicago and it’s his first time visiting Sydney. Early on when I had a rare chance grabbing a photo opportunity with Brown and Humphries (see picture above), I had a flashback of a childhood memory, of being taller than other kids, my family often joking about me becoming a professional basketball player. Judging from this photo, it would be a real joke to many!
Thank you Tissot Australia and TLA Worldwide Global Sports Management and Marketing Agency for an epic event and truly generous hospitality.
Most importantly, thank you Kent, I had so much fun partying with you!
Read more at Kent’s Street Fashion Sydney coverage.
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Hello Vivienne,
You’re so lucky to see NBA Finals game.
There are yummy food too I can see.
Cheers
Yes Claire I was lucky thanks to Kent’s plus-one invite! I hope you like his coverage too! X
Great fun indeed! I was one of the guests too, had found your article/post through google.
P.S. Love your colour coordinated clothes with the media wall guys!
Thank you Bill. Perhaps you’ve spotted yourself in one of our event photos?? 😉