Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to organise a child’s birthday party with a difference? Something that is totally unrelated to any other party?
Well, you may be interested in the Manchester Giants birthday party we trailed recently. A birthday party with a difference!
What To Expect From A Manchester Giants Birthday Party
Based at the George H. Carnall Centre in Urmston, literally just off the roundabout at Junction 9 on the M66. The centre is super easy to find, with Slam Dunk Birthday parties hosted at every Manchester Giants home match. There is ample free parking too. If you turn up early (like we did), you may even get to see the opposing team arrive!
What does a basketball Birthday Party include?
Prices start from £350 for a standard package which includes:
- A 1 hour basketball training session on the show court with coaches. Manchester Giants players get involved nearer the end which is a lovely touch.
- A Molten basketball signed by all the Giants players as a special memento for the birthday child.
- A Manchester Giants t-shirt for all children in the party.
- Pizza, chips and soft drinks for after the training session and before the actual game.
- 10 x children’s tickets and 2 x adult tickets for the actual home game.
- All children in the party run out onto the court with the team as mascots before the game, joining in the huddle.
The £500 gold package includes a Molten basketball for all the party children and Giants foam fingers. Additional adult (£10) and child (£5) tickets can be added to any package. The parties are aimed at children aged 7 -11 years.
Let the party commence!
Everyone meets in the cafe area which is located just through the centre entrance. Offering a relaxing start to an energetic afternoon! Giants t-shirts are handed out and children can change in the bathrooms opposite. Which is when the excitement really does start!
Once kitted out, everyone makes their way to the court where an hour’s training session with coaches begins. I absolutely love sport, Liv isn’t as much of a fan as I am. However, she was totally up for the idea of playing basketball. The coaches were excellent with the children and really got them involved with the sport from the get-go. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the beaming smiles were wide for all to see. The training sessions are very energetic so it maybe wise to stock up on refreshments and bottled water before arrival. Both the children and you as the spectator will need them! If not, make sure you have change to hand as there are vending machines available in the main foyer.
Children learn aspects of basketball such as dribbling, passing, shooting (and hopefully scoring) and more. Who knows, there could have been future Giants players in that training session!
Slam dunk style!
Nearer the end of the training session, a couple of Manchester Giants players will also join in the fun. It is great to see them interacting with the children. Showing off a few moves and joining in as a star player on the teams. It’s a lovely way for fans to get to know the players… and vice versa!
Fun on the court
After an hour’s running around learning basketball skills, the children definitely needed refreshments. We then headed to the cafe, where birthday tables had been set out for the children to eat their meals. Pizza, chips and chicken nuggets were offered to children who do not like pizza. As expected, it all seemed to vanish in a quick minute! With chocolate cake to finish, it was the perfect (sort of) end to the party! I state ‘sort of’ end as next is the actual Giants game!
Party refreshment time
It is prudent to note at this stage that there are no adult refreshments. The cafe was closed on the day, though a food van turned up just before the game started. However it is safer to take your own refreshments just in case. The vending machines offer the chance to use an app to buy a drin. Though we found the free wifi to be tempremental, especially when in the actual court area.
Getting ready for the basketball match
Make sure you take your seats in the arena before the 5pm start of the match. Arriving early is a great chance to watch the players warming up and get into the spirit. Guests of the party do have reserved seating. However if you are simply going to watch the game, then arrive early to grab a good vantage point!
Let the game commence! Unless you are a seasoned fan, you may not have a clue what is going on. Nor why music starts blasting out every so often. It doesn’t matter though as you are totally in the thick of it. Just keep on cheering for your team! The cheerleaders outnumber the players about 3:1 which is odd. It’s great to support and encourage your team, it motivates them!
How many breaks does a basketball game have?
There are 4 break sessions to a game, which gives you enough time to have a stroll around. Taking a cushion to sit on isn’t a bad idea either!
Unfortunately on the day, the Manchester Giants lost to the Newcastle Eagles. However that did not matter as everyone had had such a wonderful time. At the end of home games the players congregate on the court to greet fans. Grab your autograph sheet at the start of the game to get this signed. This is a great way for fans to up close and meet the sports stars after the game.
What did we all think?
Personally, I thought the party was marvellous! Something so different for children to experience and take part in. It really does give parents a genius idea for a birthday party! It does seem a tad pricey, but it’s a great way to celebrate and create life long memories. You may even find yourself attending more games afterwards!
The next Manchester Giants home game is against the Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday 8th December. This is a big ‘derby’ match, for the North West teams. Tickets are £13 for an adult and £8 for a child. The basketball games are totally family friendly! Why not head down and offer your support?
Sim’s Life was invited along to experience a Manchester Giants Birthday Party for the purpose of this post.
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