Saskatchewan Rattlers show off new court ahead of inaugural game

When the Saskatchewan Rattlers tip off their inaugural season Thursday night, the players will be stepping onto a floor with plenty of basketball history.

The hardwood court, home to Saskatchewan’s newest pro sports franchise, was purchased from the Toronto Raptors and arrived Monday ahead of the team’s home opener at SaskTel Centre.

“It has a very storied history,” said team president Lee Genier on Wednesday.

“From Lebron James to Stephen Curry, you name it have come and played on this court. They’ve warmed it up for us and we’re ready to let it roll (Thursday) night.”

Saskatchewan Rattlers show off their new court ahead of Thursday’s inaugural game at SaskTel Centre. (Brent Bosker/650 CKOM

With the lower bowl at SaskTel Centre expected to be sold out, Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) CEO Mike Morreale said it shows how much excitement there is for the league and the Rattlers.

“The beauty about basketball is you can actually put your feet on the court. You get to become part of it,” said Morreale.

“The basketball purest is going to come out and say, ‘man this is good basketball,’ and just the general fan is going to say ‘I got my money’s worth.'”

That’s the recipe that made Saskatoon’s other pro franchise, the Saskatchewan Rush successful.

Genier , who helped introduce professional lacrosse to the city in 2016 said fans can expect the same fun atmosphere they’ve grown accustomed to at Rush games.

“That was the one thing when I launched the Rush. It was not about lacrosse, it was about the experience so we wanted the music, the party, ” said Genier, adding there will be something for every fan at the games.

The newly minted CEBL also unveiled its hardware Wednesday. The trophy, made of aluminum with a maple base was inspired by Canadian James Naismith — who invented basketball using a peach basket said Morreale.

Here’s the trophy the ⁦@SASK_Rattlers⁩ will competing for starting tomorrow night pic.twitter.com/zjGehGgKdV

— Brent Bosker (@brentbosker) May 8, 2019

The Rattlers tip off the season against the Niagra River Lions 7 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.