The Wollongong Hawks have promised to give their devoted followers a rousing send-off when they host Adelaide on Friday night.
A crowd of 2740 - one of the biggest of the 2008-09 season - helped Wollongong account for the New Zealand Breakers 103-98 last Friday.
Given that the clash with the 36ers will be the final home game in the club's 31-season history, the Hawks could draw close to a sellout crowd.
Friday night will also be the last chance for the community to farewell Hawks icons Mat Campbell and Glen Saville.
It is believed the pair will join former greats Gordon McLeod and Chuck Harmison by having their playing jerseys retired.
Campbell, 32, has spent his entire 14-year career with the Hawks and is almost certain to retire after the season.
Saville played with the Hawks for the first 13 seasons of his career and competed for Australia in two Olympics.
The 33-year-old spent last season with the Sydney Kings before re-joining Wollongong for 2008-09.
Both players are sure to receive a prolonged standing ovation when they are presented to the crowd on Friday and will have trouble keeping their emotions in check.
The Hawks hope to make it a night to remember for their fans before jumping on a plane the next morning for their last stand - a Saturday night road meeting with the Gold Coast Blaze.
"While it's the end of an era, this is not a wake but a celebration of the Hawks," Wollongong general manager Neil Mettam said.
Saville is expecting the crowd to play a major role against the Sixers.
"For a lot of the fans, maybe they're taking the opportunity to see the Hawks play for the last time and be a part of history," the 2001 NBL grand final series MVP said.
"This is the last chance for us as players and the club to say thanks and goodbye.
"We've got nothing to lose, so we might as well have a bit of fun with it and try to enjoy the moment."
Saville said the match had added emotional attachment, because it was the last game in Wollongong for a long time, possibly forever.
"I guess to a lot of people that maybe it was a surprise it has come to this," he said.
"From the team's point of view, it wasn't a surprise, because the writing was on the wall.
"I'm very disappointed that it's nearly all over.
"I saw a lot of the same familiar faces (on Friday) I see every week and have seen for the last 15 years.
"I'm sure there's people who've been around the whole time for the last 30 years.
"There's some very loyal fans out there, and while it's disappointing for us and them, there's still an element of having fun and finishing off the season."
The popular two tickets for $20 deal is again on offer.
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