Opening of the GOGI & GIGI Basketball Court

The cross-border court by two of basketball's greatest legends is coming to the Slovenian-Italian border!

On 23 June 2025, the GOGI & GIGI cross-border basketball court will open in the cross-border green belt along the border between Slovenia and Italy, close to Europe Square.

Symbolically connecting the two countries, the court is part of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia official programme. The new court will connect Goran Dragić – Gogi and Luigi Datome – Gigi, legendary basketball players from Slovenia and Italy, and has already been called the GOGI & GIGI Borderless Court.

Saša Dobričič, the author of the conceptual design of the cross-border green belt and designer of the playground, explains: "The playground will be part of the ECoC district, located between Kolodvorska pot and the existing cycling path. The design is based on a deepening of approximately two metres below the level of the green belt. The Gogi hoop will be oriented towards Italy, while the Gigi hook will be oriented towards Slovenia." The deepening allows for natural green stands that will create a unique space to play and for various public events within the ECoC. The playground will be accessible to the physically challenged and will change its appearance through the seasons as the vegetation grows.

Sport and culture without borders—see you at the opening on 23 June!