Red Bull brings the Half Court World Finals to New York City

There are no pick-up games to be found on the courts of Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Instead, there are battles to be had and jobs to be done. Sweat and swearing cloud the atmosphere, almost in complete contrast to the picturesque view of Manhattan across the river. But those canopies hold the keys to the work being done beneath them. And for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals, it’s the holy mecca of a 3×3 universe.

The Red Bull Half Court, featuring 8,000 male and female players from 21 different countries, brings the World Finals to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the fifth time, with qualifying players from countries around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Egypt, India, Japan, Serbia, the Philippines, Italy and the UAE, competing for the right to be crowned world champions.

For the US, the road to the finals begins with the men’s and women’s qualifiers on August 17 in Atlanta and New York City at Happy Warrior Playground. We have put together our own selection for the occasion, with a strong women’s team that will advance to the finals in the US on October 18. The winner of the New York City qualifiers will face the winners from Atlanta, while the US champions will advance to the World Finals on October 19-20, where a surprise awaits.

In partnership with Project Backboard, Red Bull will unveil a new court at Brooklyn Bridge Park, courtesy of their Court Design Competition. From now until September 1st, local designers, street art enthusiasts, and basketball fans have the chance to design the basketball court of their dreams for a chance to bring it to life at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in October. The winning court will be chosen by a panel of NYC and basketball tastemakers, including Hoop York City’s Alex Taylor, Smokin’ Aces’ Brian Kortovich, Project Backboard, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Project Backboard, and your own court here at SLAM.

At last year’s Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Belgrade, Serbia, hometown heroes Team Serbia defeated Team Poland in a thrilling overtime match. In the women’s event, Team Egypt claimed their first-ever women’s title after beating reigning champions Team Japan.

This year, the competition introduces a new flair to the rules of the sport. A three-pointer, marked by two three-foot diameter circles drawn 6.5 feet behind the arc, will add a new level of intensity to the tournament.

“The art of shooting remains the most crucial skill for a player at any level of competition,” says shooting coach Chris Matthews, aka Lethal Shooter, who coaches countless NBA players. “With the new three-pointer coming to the Red Bull Half Court, every team from every country will need to perfect this shot to secure a spot in the World Finals at Brooklyn Bridge Park.” As Team SLAM gears up to take care of business this weekend, all eyes are on the City of Dreams. And there are still a few spots left. So if you’re itching for some new hardware or just want to show the city what you’re made of, sign up now.

Photos via Red Bull.