UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - Utsunomiya has become a staple of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour with the Japanese city tipping off the season yet again this year with the Opener on April 27 - 28.

“Utsunomiya City has hosted the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in front of the Otorii Gate of Futarayama Shrine, a symbol of Utsunomiya's history and culture, and has worked to revitalize the local economy by welcoming many people from all over Japan and abroad through the tournament,” said Eeichi Sato, Mayor of the city. 

“The FIBA 3x3 World Tour has also helped spread the culture and charm of Utsunomiya, as a “city of 3x3” to the world.”

Japan has risen in Asia as a hub for 3x3 over the past few years and continues to integrate the game into its sporting lifestyle. 

“In order to bring 3x3 closer to as many citizens as possible, including children, we held the "Utsunomiya Mayor’s Cup" for elementary school students in the city, the "3x3 Junior Cup" for elementary school students representing each prefecture, and the "3x3.EXE PREMIER", 3x3’s premier league in Japan. In addition, we have been working on the installation of basketball goals in elementary and junior high schools and parks in the city,” Sato added.

The efforts have made Utsunomiya prime ground to tip off what is certain to be one of the biggest seasons in 3x3.

Sato said, “It is a great honor to be able to host the Utsunomiya Opener again in 2024, and we will hold a grand event to further boost 3x3 in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

The 2024 season marks the third consecutive year where Utsunomiya has held the World Tour Opener, bringing together fervent fans of the sport to the marquee event.

“The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2023, held for the second time, attracted 70,000 visitors and had a record economic impact of approximately 586.4 million yen,” Sato said.

Speaking on the future of this partnership, Sato stated, “We have agreed with FIBA to hold the Opener in Utsunomiya until 2028 during our visit to the FIBA headquarters last year, and we will continue to hold the tournament in the future to further enhance the effects of holding the tournament and build a firm position as the most prominent City of 3x3, Utsunomiya, in the world.”

All eyes are set on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and what better venue than Utsunomiya to get the action rolling.