Hundreds of spectators flocked to the hotspot in East Sussex, and players travelled from as far as Sheffield to participate in the big launch despite foggy conditions that eventually cleared up.
More than 30 junior players signed up for two coaching clinics, followed by two U18 exhibition games and a highlight-filled dunk contest.
Sussex Storm handed out t-shirts to the players, and Worthing Thunder provided season tickets as part of a giveaway.
Funded by Brighton & Hove City Council with support from the Hoopsfix Foundation and Foot Locker UK, the court renovation took nearly two years from public consultation to the final reveal.
For Hoopsfix founder Sam Neter, it was the culmination of a project that had personal ties to him, as he had grown up in nearby Eastbourne.
"I'm really pleased with how the day went despite the fog," Neter said.
"It was an incredible turnout with people travelling from as far as Sheffield to check it all out, and it seems like everyone had a really good time.
"It gave a little glimpse into the potential of the court as an event space, and we're looking forward to running more events there in the future.
"Having grown up in Eastbourne, Brighton Beach was always the destination court, and so to have been able to play a role in refurbing it is personally very special for me."
Neter was the brains behind the Clapham Common renovation in 2021 but has had his eye on the Brighton Beach courts, which has been a famous area for players across the country for decades.
First approached by Brighton & Hove City Council in July 2023, Neter began work, and a public consultation followed.
More than 500 people responded, 98% requesting new hoops and backboards and 86% wanting a bigger court.
The community asked, and Neter, along with the Council delivered. Blakedown Landscapes carried out work over eight months to turn a tired, but well-used area into something very special.
The first phase, which started last October, saw the court transformed with new tarmac and extended by four meters in length and two meters in width to allow FIBA-regulated markings, perplex backboards, and spring-loaded rings.
Finally, the second phase was carried out to install beautiful new artwork created by Sam Sure from Half Decent Day in dazzling blue and pink to portray Brighton's seaside vibe.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Brighton & Hove City Council on this project," Neter said.
"The openness and willingness to listen to the needs of the basketball community was extremely refreshing."
"This is a fantastic example of the Council listening to what people want from their sports facilities and working with partners to deliver it," added Alan Robins, Councillor for Sports, Recreation and Libraries at Brighton & Hove City Council.
"Our thanks go to Foot Locker and the Hoopsfix Foundation for their support. To have the court ready for the summer is brilliant, and I can't wait to see it busy and being enjoyed again."
Toby Wilkinson, Basketball England's Interim Facilities Manager added: "It is absolutely brilliant to see more organisations taking an active interest in regenerating outdoor spaces, and working together to create safe, suitable, attractive places for people to to play.
"This work aligns with our #ProjectSwish campaign, which has helped to regenerate countless outdoor spaces and distribute over 10,000 free nets since it began in 2019."
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Words by John Hobbs
Image credits - Kai Johnson
