The Battle of Manchester Series is on between the BBL Manchester Giants and the NBL Division One Manchester Magic in a 2-game series as part of preparations for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

The first game will be held at the Giants’ PowerLeague Arena Trafford (Trafford Way, M17 8DD) base, on Sunday 16th September, tip off 5:00pm. While the second game will be held at the Magic’s Manchester Basketball Centre (Wilbraham Road, M16 8GW) base, on Tuesday 18th September at 8:00pm.

Ticket prices (for both games) will be Adult: £5, Children & Concessions: £2.50, Family (2 adults & 3 children): £12.50.

Magic Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas commented, “This game is a long overdue!

“The Battle of Manchester for Manchester basketball fans. For our sport!

“Two of the biggest clubs in the North West will play for the first time against each other and that is great news.

“Manchester United vs Manchester City have their own derby, so myself and Danny Byrne [Giants Head Coach] thought why can’t basketball in our City have that?

“Danny is a good friend of mine and both of us agree that a healthy battle between our teams will be great advert for our sport.

“I am hoping to see full gyms at the both games!”

Giants’ Coach Byrne commented, “This game has been a long time coming, and I know there’s always been talk of Giants playing Magic.

“Speaking with Ollie, we now feel that the time is right to put together this showpiece for basketball in the North West.

“It’ll be good to put on a show for both sets of fans. It’s going to be exciting and hopefully we can make this a permanent fixture in the friendly calendar.”

More pre-season friendly games will be announced soon.