Coca-Cola Amatil has joined the crowd of fans lining up to support the newest and hottest team in the National Basketball League, the Gold Coast Blaze.

Coca-Cola Amatil has struck a one-year sponsorship deal with the Blaze as the official soft drink and sports drink supplier of the team which continues the company’s long standing association with national basketball.

Over the summer season, the Gold Coast Blaze players and management team are expected to consume an average of 5,000 bottles of Powerade and 5,000 bottles of Pump water. An astounding 4,000 bottles of Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero are expected to be consumed by Blaze fans at each home game at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

The Gold Coast Blaze will play its first National Basketball League match on Wednesday 19 September against current champions and local rivals the Brisbane Bullets.

Coca-Cola Amatil Gold Coast and Northern NSW Region Manager Karen McClear said excitement on the Coast has been building in anticipation of the first Blaze match.

“Coca-Cola Amatil is thrilled to be part of the inaugural season for the Gold Coast Blaze at a time when the region is standing out as a premier sporting location,” Ms McClear said.

“The calibre of players who have signed with the Gold Coast Blaze is impressive and Coca-Cola Amatil is proud to support such a respected group of players, coaches and managers."

“Coca-Cola Amatil encourages all sport fans in the region to support their basketball team by coming along to home games at the Gold Coast Convention Centre and in particular the opening match against the Brisbane Bullets.”

Gold Coast Blaze General Manager David Claxton said the new national team was pleased to partner with an internationally recognised brand such as Coca-Cola.

"We acknowledge the fantastic support Coca-Cola Amatil is providing not only to Gold Coast Blaze but to other local sporting teams. It’s great to see Coca-Cola Amatil get on board with sport at the community level and with professional teams in the National Basketball League,” Mr Claxton said.

Season ticket registrations are now open and fans can call the Blaze Membership Hotline on 1300 BLAZE GC to book their seats or visit www.blazegc.com.au.