Countdown to Walter Bussolari Playground 2025

Bologna, June 12, 2025 – The memory of those who are no longer with us but live on in the hearts of those who still carry on the tournament, the news, the confirmations and the consolidation of the cornerstones and the many and important news that distinguish this edition. Everything is ready for the 43rd “ Walter Bussolari Playground ” which this year will be sponsored by Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets for the men's part and by EmilBanca Pink for the women's. This morning in the Luca Savonuzzi press room at Palazzo d'Accursio the 2025 edition of what is undoubtedly the most historic and most famous playground basketball tournament was presented. Presented by Simone Motola president of ASD Basket Giardini Margherita, it will start this weekend with the playin that qualifies the sixteenth and final team in the men's competition and which instead in the women's I already see the presence of 9 teams. “The Playground event is highly anticipated,” emphasizes Roberta Li Calzi, Sports Councilor, “and it is a satisfaction that it takes place at the Giardini Margherita, both for the level of basketball played and for the fact that it is combined with entertainment and the participation of those who want to have fun. The tournament is confirmed to be growing, both for men and women; moreover, for some time we have been able to combine other sports disciplines in spaces that are free to use and available all year round as a place in the city.” After the honors , Elisabetta De Vincenzo , marketing manager Italy of the Neinver Group, speaks. “For the Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets team, it is an important step. We want to create value in the geographical area that hosts us, through sponsorship, as we have done for Strabologna, Virtus and now the Gardens, confirming the value that sport has for us. Castel Guelfo is not just a commercial activity, but it is also a meeting place and bringing passion even outside the center, with sponsorship is important for us.” Among the historic brands that support the Giardini Margherita there is BCC Emilbanca as Dante Pagnini, territorial area manager, points out. “We have been sponsors for 8 years, I hope that the collaboration will continue in the future. We are always attentive to initiatives in the area, thanks to the local members committee of sponsorship contributions to local organizations and associations”. Going into detail, the women's tournament sees the presence of 9 teams, with three groups of three teams. It starts on Monday 16th until the 26th day of the final for the 8th edition. In the Men's tournament , there are 16 teams at the start, with 4 groups of 4 and the inclusion of play-ins. Only the first team goes directly to the quarter-finals, with second and third place teams playing a play-off. The 16th team will exit the preliminary rounds and on Saturday will see the semi-final and final between Under 21 teams with 2 over-quota players, from 5pm to 6:30pm the semi-finals and at 10:30pm the final and decide the 16th participant. Speakers include Giorgio Bonaga who explains the Tam Tam initiative and Roberto Brunamonti who instead talks about the national team in view of the next European women's championships that start on Tuesday at the PalaDozza. There are many new features in this edition starting with the scheduled live broadcast of the final on Sky. Many new features, but also many moments of remembrance. There will be a special moment to honor the memory of Andrea Vignoli with the dunk contest. On July 24, a week after the end of the event, there will be a friendly match to remember the figure of Tatto, aka Andrea Tattini. An exceptional boy who was able to play soccer and then run to the Gardens, for basketball, without losing any of his enthusiasm, energy and desire to have fun. Having said that the defending champion team is Team Campas Ricap, it remains to be remembered that, from 2025, precisely because the Playground is such a popular event, there will be an ethical code to follow.