I ” GARDENS”

For the first time in history, a national broadcaster will broadcast a non-professional basketball tournament live. If you check Sky’s schedule, Thursday evening at 9:15 PM you’ll find the “Giardini Margherita Tournament Final” listed. For those unfamiliar, this tournament, also known as “The Gardens,” has been held in Bologna for 43 years. Some details on what is more than just a tournament: – Over the years, 68 Serie A players, 286 Serie A2 players, 20 players with at least one national team appearance, and 3 former NBA players have played. – One year, the Drew League, America’s most important summer league, also participated. – Over the years, players such as Lucio Dalla, Marco Pantani, Roberto Baggio, PJ Carlesimo, Cesare Cremonini, Andrea Bargnani, and Gianmarco Tamberi have all played in the stands. –

It lasts five weeks and also features a women’s tournament (this year, 2,500 spectators for the final) – 90% of the players play in Serie B1 and below, with many players from the minor leagues of Serie C and Serie D (some even promoted) – On average, there are 1,500 spectators each night, and for the final, the crowds rise to 3,500-4,000. – Yes, 4,000 spectators to watch amateurs. This tournament is one of the most incredible things in Italian basketball, and it’s wonderful that on Thursday, this miracle, which has been repeated for over forty years in a public park in Bologna accessible to all, will be broadcast by Sky with commentary by Alessandro Mamoli and Tommy Marino.