Cairns Taipans given new season start date
The Cairns Taipans now know when they will start their 2020-21 NBL Season campaign, but where they will play their home games remains up in the air.
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The Cairns Taipans will start their 2020-21 NBL campaign in December, two months later than usual, but where they will play their home games remains up in the air.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman on Friday announced the new NBL season would begin “on or around” December 3 and conclude by mid-to-late April.
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While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the league to delay the start of its season, which would usually begin in October, Kestelman was hoping returning at a later date would help produce the best crowds.
“We believe this gives us the best chance to be able to accommodate as many fans as possible into venues and gives some certainty for our clubs, players, sponsors, venues and fans as they plan for next season,” he said.
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“We are also heartened by the progress other sporting leagues have made as they have returned to play, in particular the easing of restrictions in some states to allow fans back into venues in a limited capacity.
“We will continue to monitor their progress and work with the relevant government authorities as we plan for our season.
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“The lifeblood of the NBL is its fans and we will be doing everything possible to start our season in front of our much loved fans.”
While the Taipans are now certain of when the new season will start, it is unsure where they will play home games at this stage, as delays to the $176 million upgrade of the Cairns Convention Centre could leave the team homeless in the immediate future.
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Taipans management are pushing for a shift to the work timeline to allow the team to play on its home court and avoid what president Troy Stone previously called a “dire situation”.
Coach Mike Kelly said he was confident the team would be playing its first NBL 2020-21 season home games at the Cairns Convention Centre, while passionate fans have launched a petition to keep the team playing in Cairns.
With the 2020-21 season starting later than normal, the NBL’s free agency period has also been pushed back to begin on Wednesday, July 15.
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“This will allow players more time to prepare for free agency as they consider their futures,” said NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.
“With the current uncertainty around other basketball leagues, we are confident the NBL will remain a highly attractive option for players from both Australia and New Zealand as well as around the world.”
Originally published as Cairns Taipans given new season start date