GOGI & GIGI: Goran Dragić and Luigi Datome Unite for a New Cross-Border Basketball Court in Europe Square

The new GOGI & GIGI borderless basketball court is coming to Nova Gorica and Gorizia.

The City Municipality of Nova Gorica and Goran Dragić Foundation have signed an agreement on the construction of a basketball court located in the cross-border green belt along the Slovene-Italian border, in the immediate vicinity of Europe Square. Symbolically connecting the two countries, the court is part of the official programme of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia. 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 in June!