Wynn Macau has announced its continued support for the “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024,” a high-energy basketball tournament that promises to showcase talent across the region while celebrating key anniversaries. The tournament, which is organized in partnership with the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government’s Sports Bureau and StarMac Entertainment, will be held from October 11 to 13 in Macau, culminating in finals hosted at two of the city’s most historic and iconic landmarks – the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Tap Seac Square. With over MOP$800,000 (US$99,582) in prize money at stake, the event is set to attract significant attention from both players and fans.
This year’s event takes on additional significance, as it coincides with major milestones: the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to Chinese sovereignty. By combining sportsmanship with the cultural and historical backdrop of these anniversaries, the 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024 is poised to offer a memorable and meaningful celebration of sport and unity.
Event Structure and Key Highlights
The “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024” will bring basketball action to various cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), with stops in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hengqin, and Guangzhou, before concluding in Macau.
In the GBA region, only men’s teams will compete, with up to 32 teams permitted at each location. From these regional contests, the top three teams will secure spots in the finals in Macau. The final event will be more expansive, featuring both men’s and women’s divisions. The men’s group will include 32 teams, while the women’s group will feature 16 teams.
The event has a unique twist for the final matches, with games being played at two of Macau’s most well-known cultural and historical landmarks. The Ruins of St. Paul’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Tap Seac Square, a bustling public square that frequently hosts cultural events, will serve as picturesque venues for the final games. This decision to host the finals in such iconic locations adds a symbolic touch, merging sports, culture, and history into one cohesive event.
Registration for regional tournaments begins on September 9, and the finals will open for registration on September 19, providing plenty of time for teams to prepare and secure their spots.
Prize Pool and Goals of the Event
The tournament offers a generous prize pool of over MOP$800,000, providing a significant incentive for teams and individual players to put forth their best performances. Beyond the competition and monetary rewards, the event aims to promote the development of basketball within the Greater Bay Area. Organizers also see the tournament as a way to bring together communities across the GBA, fostering a sense of regional unity through the medium of sport.
The tournament also stands as a testament to the growing prominence of sports in the region, aligning with government and corporate efforts to enhance Macau’s international profile not only as a gaming hub but also as a destination for international sports and entertainment events.
High-Profile Attendees and Support
Several high-profile figures were present at the press conference to announce the 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024. Notable attendees included Lei Si Leng, Acting Vice President of the Macau Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, Lou Kit Long, CEO of StarMac Entertainment & Production, Craig Fullalove, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Wynn Macau, and Michael Cheong, Executive Vice President of the Macau-China Basketball Association.
Their presence underscores the importance of this event to Macau and the broader Greater Bay Area. By assembling key figures from both the private sector and governmental organizations, the event organizers aim to ensure the tournament is a major success and continues to grow in stature within the region.
Celebrating Key Milestones: China’s 75th and Macau’s 25th Anniversaries
This year’s 3×3 basketball tour holds special meaning, as it coincides with significant anniversaries for both China and Macau. In 2024, China will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This is a monumental occasion that will be marked across the country, and Macau’s contribution to these celebrations through sports is both symbolic and impactful.
Additionally, Macau will be commemorating the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty, an event that took place in 1999. This milestone serves as a reminder of the close ties between Macau and mainland China, ties that have grown even stronger through economic and cultural exchanges. The inclusion of these anniversaries in the basketball tour highlights the role sports can play in strengthening these bonds while bringing together people from across the region to celebrate shared achievements.
Greater Bay Area: A Growing Sports Powerhouse
The Greater Bay Area initiative, which includes Macau, Hong Kong, and nine cities in the Guangdong Province, is a national project aimed at creating an integrated economic and business hub. With a population of over 70 million, the region is not only an economic powerhouse but also increasingly a center for sports, arts, and culture.
The inclusion of stops in major cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hengqin, and Guangzhou for the 3×3 basketball tour reflects the growing interest in sports within this region. Each of these cities brings its own unique flavor to the tournament, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the Greater Bay Area.
Wynn Macau’s Commitment to Sports and Community Engagement
Wynn Macau’s sponsorship of the “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024” is a continuation of the company’s efforts to contribute to the community through sports. Wynn has long been a supporter of cultural and sporting events in Macau, seeing these initiatives as a way to give back to the community and enhance the city’s global reputation.
This sponsorship also aligns with Wynn Macau’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which include supporting local talent, promoting health and wellness, and fostering community engagement. By backing events like the 3×3 basketball tour, Wynn Macau helps create platforms for local athletes to showcase their skills, while also promoting a sense of community and unity among participants and spectators.
Macau: A Growing Hub for International Sporting Events
Macau has long been known as a leading destination for entertainment and gaming, but in recent years, the city has been making strides in positioning itself as a hub for international sporting events. The “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024” is just one of many sports-related events that have gained traction in the city, reflecting the local government’s efforts to diversify Macau’s offerings and attract a wider range of tourists.
Hosting high-profile events such as this basketball tournament helps Macau stand out on the global stage, especially as it competes with other major cities in the Greater Bay Area. With world-class venues and a growing interest in sports, Macau is well-positioned to become a leading destination for international tournaments and competitions, complementing its existing reputation as a global tourism and entertainment hub.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from the 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024
As the tournament dates draw nearer, excitement is building across the Greater Bay Area. With stops in four major cities leading up to the finals in Macau, the “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024” promises to bring together some of the best basketball talent from across the region.
The event is not just about competition; it is a celebration of culture, history, and unity. The unique choice of venues in Macau, with the finals set against the backdrop of the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Tap Seac Square, will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for both players and fans alike. This blend of sport and culture is part of what makes the 3×3 tour so special and a key event on the GBA sports calendar.
With over MOP$800,000 in prizes, a strong lineup of teams, and the backing of major sponsors like Wynn Macau, the 2024 edition of the 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour is set to be the most successful yet. Fans of the sport can expect intense competition, breathtaking scenery, and a festival atmosphere as the event unfolds over three days in October.
The “Wynn Presents ─ 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024” stands out as a major event not only for its competitive aspects but also for its cultural and symbolic significance. As Macau celebrates 25 years since its return to China and the People’s Republic marks 75 years of progress, this tournament offers a unique opportunity to bring together people from across the Greater Bay Area.
Through sport, the event fosters unity and showcases the immense talent and potential of athletes from the region. With Wynn Macau’s continued support, the 3×3 Greater Bay Area Tour 2024 is well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on the local sports scene and contribute to the broader celebrations of these two major anniversaries.
This tournament will not only be a platform for top-tier basketball but will also help strengthen the bonds between the people and cities of the Greater Bay Area, reinforcing Macau’s position as a growing hub for sports, culture, and international collaboration.