On September 6, Rytas Vilnius will welcome the new season at Lukiškės Prison not only with new sporting ambitions, but also with a civic initiative. At the season opening celebration, alongside the team presentation, music, entertainment, and meetings with the basketball players, the club will invite attendees to contribute to a charity initiative dedicated to a safer sky for Lithuania and Ukraine. The event’s program includes a charity auction, with the funds raised to be allocated to the Blue / Yellow support marathon Dronatonas.
“Basketball has always been a unifying force, but today the most important fight is for freedom and security. Therefore, we want to start the new season not only with sporting ambitions, but also with strong civic support. Fans and city guests are invited to unite and personally contribute to strengthening the sky shield of both countries,” said the club’s CEO, Martynas Giga.
The auction taking place during the season opening celebration will provide fans with an opportunity not only to donate to a noble cause but also to win exclusive Rytas prizes – a FIBA Champions League Final Four ball with the champions’ signatures and a 2025–2026 season jersey signed by the renewed team.
Dronatonas is a support marathon initiated by Blue / Yellow that runs until mid-October. This year, for the first time, it is rallying support not only for Ukraine’s fight against enemy drones but also for Lithuania’s preparedness for such threats. The campaign aims to raise 1 million euros. The majority of the support will be allocated to Ukraine, while one out of every five donated euros will go to the drone squads of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.
All residents of Vilnius are welcome to the Rytas Vilnius season opening celebration – attendees will enjoy the team presentation, entertainment, opportunities to chat with the players, and other interactions.
More information about the event can be found on Rytas’ social media platforms