The NBL has approved two preseason games between the Adelaide 36ers and the Brisbane Bullets next month ahead of the start of the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.
The 36ers will play the Bullets at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on November 13 and at Titanium Security Arena on November 15.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We are very heartened by the recent easing of restrictions in Victoria in particular and congratulate all Australians including our Clubs, players, staff and all of our partners on how they have responded to the challenges of recent months.
“The preseason games in Adelaide are a significant first step for the league as we finalise plans for the forthcoming season which is due to commence in mid-January.
“As state borders open and restrictions around fans attending games are eased, it is important for us to test how we will operate during the upcoming season in what will be very unique circumstances.
“Adelaide is currently permitting fans in enclosed venues and welcoming visitors from Queensland, so this is a good opportunity to test how our health and safety protocols for delivering games will work alongside the requirements of the States and venues.
“Venue capacity for the games in Adelaide will be capped at 50 per cent and we will undertake a full review after these games before scheduling further preseason games in December and January.
“Our intention is to work with our Clubs to facilitate what will be a limited number of preseason games to be conducted in strict accordance with their respective State Government regulations and the NBL’s own COVID safe protocols to ensure the health and safety of players, staff and fans which remains our number one priority.
“We have consistently said that we want as many fans as possible to be able to watch games live in venues this season and we are working with the Clubs, Governments and health authorities to make this happen.
“We are also making contingency plans should we choose to play in a hub at any point during the coming season and we are having positive discussions about potential locations.
“We plan to announce a start date and initial schedule for the season before the end of next month. We are excited about the upcoming season and I know fans across Australia and New Zealand can’t wait for the NBL to return. They are the lifeblood of the league and we are committed to delivering the very best season we can.”
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