Mall of America® hosts a weekend of basketball entertainment with Strictly Bball highlighting the nation's top high school prospects
BLOOMINGTON, MN — July 24, 2024
Mall of America® is thrilled to join forces with Strictly Bball to bring two unique basketball events to the Huntington® Bank Rotunda later this summer. Guests are invited to join in the fun as they witness some of the most talented and viral high school basketball players compete in an epic showdown.
Strictly Bball, a Minnesota-based media company dedicated to Gen Z basketball enthusiasts, was founded by childhood friends Joe Doerrer and Nolan Newberg in 2020. With over five million followers and one billion views, Strictly Bball has become a leading platform for sports content.
“This event is a chance to witness the next generation of professional athletes right here in our home court,” said Chris Grap, Vice President of Experiential at Mall of America. “Between hosting the Men’s and Women’s Big Ten Tournament, the historic Timberwolves playoff run, and the Lynx all-star lineup, Minnesota has become a hub for great basketball. We can’t wait to create even more incredible memories for our guests while showcasing these incredibly talented players.”
On Friday, August 9 from 6 – 9 p.m., top female influencers and content creators will come together for the Game ChangeHER Creator Basketball Shootout. Game ChangeHER, founded by basketball content creator Jenna Bandy, empowers females to be fearlessly authentic and change the game in their chosen passion. Hosted by Jenna Bandy and Bree Green, this shootout will showcase four teams of four, featuring a mix of other top female sports creators and high school athletes. Some of the creators included are Carson Roney, Mariah Linney, Never Miss Allie, Hannah White, and others. The winning team will receive a $20,000 prize.
“I can’t wait to bring together the top female creators in basketball for this opportunity,” said Game ChangeHER founder, Jenna Bandy. “The mission of Game ChangeHER is to give women a platform to inspire others and represent female empowerment, and this event is a perfect example of that.”
The Strictly HS 3x3 Nationals will hit the court on Saturday, August 10 from 4 – 8:30 p.m. Some of the top high school male basketball players from across the country will compete in a half-court 3x3 National Tournament. Teams representing six states (Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and Utah) will participate in a bracket-style face-off. Top players include Jayden Moore, Tounde Yessoufou, Noah Neumann, Katrelle Harmon, Nik Khamenia, and Jalen Wilson. The event will be hosted by Jon Berryone, the voice of the Timberwolves and Lynx.
"An event like this has never been done before,” said Strictly Bball founders, Joe Doerer and Nolan Newberg. “We’re honored to host this event featuring some of the sport’s biggest names at the largest Mall in the country. Minnesota basketball holds a special place in our hearts, making it even more meaningful to have this event in our home state.”
Join us for a slam-dunk of a weekend and see what all the hoopla is about!
For more information on Game ChangeHER Creator Shootout, click here.
For more information on Strictly HS 3x3 Nationals, click here.
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
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