Taipans fans petition to keep NBL team playing in Cairns

After fears for the Taipans’ immediate future in the NBL were stoked, the Orange Army has mobilised to send a clear message to Brisbane: Keep our club in Cairns.

Taipans supporters Wendy Durdin, Alan Aldous, Alex Loughton, Coleen Lander, Adrian Iziercich, Yvonne Poweleit and Max Ishimwe petitioning government to ensure the Taipans can play at the Cairns Convention Centre this NBL season. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

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THE Orange Army has mobilised to send a clear message to George St, Brisbane: Keep our Taipans in Cairns.

Fears for the club’s immediate future in the NBL were stoked as another delay to the $176 million upgrade of the Cairns Convention Centre could leave the Taipans homeless for the 2020-21 season.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman said it would be a disaster if the Snakes didn’t play in Cairns, with Taipans management pushing for a shift to the work timeline to allow for the club to play on its home court.

Now, the club’s passionate fanbase has mobilised.

Long-term fan Coleen Lander launched a petition on Friday to call on the State Government to ensure the Taipans could play out of their home court this season. Last night, more than 1200 had signed.

“I’ve been to every stadium except Wollongong, and the Taipans have one of the best atmospheres in the league,” Lander said. “The idea of playing in Townsville or elsewhere, it just wouldn’t work.”

Retired Taipans legend Alex Loughton said a solution must be found.

Originally published as Taipans fans petition to keep NBL team playing in Cairns