Windsor is the automotive capital of Canada and has been nicknamed “the City of Roses”, beginning in 2024, it will also be known as the home of Battle 519. An annual outdoor basketball festival that draws teams from across Ontario and Michigan to a 3-day event that celebrates the city’s love of the game. Inspired by the success of Battle 416 in Toronto, this affair will be the newest summer must-see event that everyone will be talking about.

Although Windsor/Essex County has a rich sports history, it’s not in the mainstream of conversations when it comes to “sport cities”, that’s usually reserved for its big brother to the north…Detroit, Michigan (go lions!). But of course, they have their beloved Spitfires of the OHL and Windsor Express of the NBL, don’t forget about the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, they have their share of championships too. As Canada’s southernmost city, nestled between Toronto and Detroit, the region is filled with sports fanatics; in Windsor you’re either a wings fan or a leaf’s fan sprinkled with the occasional hawks, habs and penguins’ diehards. With the Pistons, Tigers, Wings and Lions just across the river, how can you not be a sports enthusiast living in Windsor.

The inaugural event of Battle 519 in 2024 will showcase this region’s love of sports but especially their passion for basketball. While Windsor has always had deep roots with basketball, those roots have exploded in popularity among its youth in the region. There are currently over eight travel team organizations in the area that support youth basketball development and competition.

The 3-day event will transform Windsor’s scenic waterfront from “Festival Plaza” to “Battle at the Plaza”. With the Detroit skyline as the backdraft, the outdoor basketball weekend event hopes to also raise much need monies for local charities across the county. Battle Canada, the City of Windsor and its partnership with local Sponsors is working hard to bring this much needed sports event to a region hungry for basketball. So, get ready, because here it comes…let’s hoop.