MIES (Switzerland)/BEIJING (China) - The ultimate fan experience can now be had by everyone in the host cities of China 2019 with the launch of the Basketball Houses.

Fans will have a chance to meet both the official mascot, Son of Dreams, and the local ambassador in each host city, and to win prizes.

They'll also have a chance to learn about the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the sport at large in the FIBA History Corner in each of the Basketball Houses and get souvenirs at the official fan store.

The Basketball Houses opened in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou and Foshan on Saturday (August 3) and will soon welcome basketball fans in Wuhan and Nanjing (both August 10), and Shanghai and Beijing (August 17).

Fans will also get an opportunity to watch the official World Cup cheerleaders in action and to have photos taken with Son of Dreams.

They'll be able to take part in an activity called "The Loudest Cheer" in an attempt to break the world record for noise while backing their team. The noise levels will in fact be recorded and used with other cheers to create a giant shout of support.

The World Cup Trophy will be on hand at the Basketball Houses in Shenzhen (August 6), Dongguan (August 9), Guangzhou (August 12), Foshan (August 16), Wuhan (August 18), Nanjing (August 21), Shanghai (August 24) and Beijing (August 28).

Basketball Houses will be open weekdays and weekends.

FIBA's Global Partners have contributed to the Basketball Houses with a lot of fun activities, and also erected displays related to the official watches and game balls. 

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is FIBA's flagship event, with the first being staged 69 years ago in Argentina. This summer's tournament will be the first to ever have 32 teams.

The World Cup, which is being staged in China for the first time, tips off on August 31. 

For more information about the Basketball Houses, visit worldcup.basketball/Houses.

FIBA