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The Saskatchewan Rattlers are coming back home this summer.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team unveiled its 2021 season schedule Thursday.
There are to be 14 games, pared down from the usual 20-game season to accommodate a June start to the season instead of May.
“The health and safety of fans, players, officials, and staff is our top priority, and we want to maximize the odds of having fans in the stands for as many games as possible this summer,” Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft said in a statement.
“It is our hope that by summer our province will be better positioned in the fight against COVID-19 and restrictions around public gatherings and events may allow for some number of fans to attend games — even if they must be socially distanced within our arena.”
With most of the league’s players reporting to international pro leagues by September, the CEBL was unable to schedule more games.
The Rattlers’ first home game is set for June 5, but the team is still waiting to see if fans will be allowed inside SaskTel Centre.
Season tickets and flex packs purchased for the 2021 season have been moved over to the 2022 season due to uncertainty over government regulations and fans’ willingness to attend games in person by June.
“We know how much the people of Saskatchewan love their sports teams and live events and we cannot wait to have fans back inside the SaskTel Centre. 2021 promises to be another strong year for the CEBL as the talent and entertainment in our league keeps growing at an exponential rate,” Kraft said.
If fans are allowed at SaskTel Centre, ticketholders may choose to draw tickets from their 2022 package to use for any games they wish to attend in 2021, but there are no obligations to use those tickets this season.
“We are focused on keeping our fans first and foremost, so we are ensuring the full protection of any investment in our tickets through a plan that provides the ultimate in flexibility and makes sure that no one will feel pressured to have to use their tickets this season if they’re not comfortable attending games,” Kraft said.
The Rattlers are to open the 2021 season at home versus the Edmonton Stingers on June 7.
The Rattlers are to take on both the Stingers and Fraser Valley Bandits twice at home. They also are to receive visits from the Hamilton Honey Badgers, Niagara River Lions and Guelph Nighthawks.
Saskatchewan’s road schedule includes single trips to Niagara, Guelph and Ottawa. The Rattlers are to visit Fraser Valley and Edmonton twice this season.
A CEBL post-season plan is to be announced at a later date.