The Antwerp Giants

The Antwerp Giants

The Antwerp Giants, otherwise known as the Telenet Giants Antwerp, is a professional basketball team from Antwerp whose home stadium is Lotto Arena with a capacity of 5,218.

Their team colours are red, white and gold and their mascot is an extremely cheeky red monkey. They currently stand second to Oostende in the Euromillions League and are eagerly awaiting the opening of their new stadium.

Having never previously witnessed a basketball match before my move to Belgium, I was unsure as to what to expect from this experience. I had attended football and rugby games in England but I think that's probably the closest I got. I also had very little knowledge as to the rules of basketball other than what I had picked up in school in my PE lessons. Nevertheless I went into the stadium with an open mind and no expectations and it did not disappoint.

The first game we watched was Oostende (who were at this point already in first place) vs Antwerp (second place) and we bought our tickets on the day. I was allowed free entry as it was lady's night which was a nice surprise as we were unaware of this before we arrived. As a result our seats were perhaps not the best in the house, however we could see everything clearly and weren't too crowded which was nice. Also, being a fan of merchandise, I insisted on buying one of their branded t-shirts for what I would say is a very reasonable 15 euros.

Even before the game started, it was clear to me where the hardcore Antwerp fans were seated. Dressed from head to toe in the latest Antwerp kit, sporting flags, banners and a huge pair of drums, the hardcore fans were impossible to miss and some of the fiercest supporters I've met to this day. Every attacking play for the Giant they would scream 'Giants, Giants, Giants' at the top of their voices and if the ball switched hands this would immediately change to 'Defence, Defence, Defence!' I found their volume really quite impressive due to the average age of around 70 amongst these hardcore fans. And what shocked me even more was that they, along with the fairly large number of children in the stadium, kept this up for the entirety of the game. I hope I have that much passion when I'm their age!

In the break between periods, and whenever a timeout is called, a group of teenage cheerleaders are charged with entertaining the crowds and although I don't think they'll be winning many awards for their choreography or dancing, it's nice to have something to look at. But...what do I know! I've been thrown out of clubs for dancing that is not only a danger to myself but to those around me too. The real star of the between period show however, is that cheeky little devil of a monkey. Performing some risky acrobatics as well as imitating the cheerleaders, the man/woman behing the mask keeps all the little ones entertained as well as the adults around them. Finding the perfect balance between mischevious charming so as not to come across rude or offend, you've got to hand it to them. It must be warm inside all that fur but the energy he/she brings is contagious.

Despite Antwerp losing this first game, quite considerably. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The drinks and snacks in the stadium are reasonably priced for an event hall and entry and exit is well organised which means shorted queuing times than at most venues in England. Parking is also convenient with 5 euro spaces just around the corner and easy acces on the De Lijn trams from Antwerp Central station and elsewhere in the city. I would recommend arriving a bit early as if there are other events on in the nextdoor Sportpaleis and in the ity these parking lots can quickly fill up. 

I enjoyed the experience so much that I have now been back to watch the Giants play 6 more times and each game that we attend I proudly wear my Telenet Antwerp Giants t-shirt and sit in the crowd soaking up the atmoshpere. If you're in the area, the games are 13 euros for students with a student card and can be bought online or at the box office. 

My only possible criticism is that it's always a bit too warm in the stadium, and I'm saying that as a customer sat in the crowd, and so I can't imagine what it must be like for the players. Also, it would be nice to see a larger range or drinks and snacks available as for those that don't like to drink beer there is no wine or spirits on offer, and sweets, nachos and crisps are the only food for sale. These are however, small criticisms and should not detract from an altogether great experience!