The Auckland Tuatara will face the Wellington Saints at Pulman Arena in Takanini in the final round of this year’s Sal’s NBL regular season on July 16 with tickets on sale in the coming days.
The installation of the permanent replacement floor at Eventfinda Stadium has forced the venue change with the game being moved to southern side of the city.
Eventfinda Stadium suffered significant damage during the Auckland floods earlier in the year. They have operated using a temporary floor throughout the season, allowing the Tuatara to continue to play at their home court.
But construction work needs to begin after the Tuatara’s penultimate home game on Sunday July 2 when the Canterbury Rams visit Auckland.
“It will be great to visit a different part of the city and hopefully allow more fans get to experience a Tuatara home game in the Sal’s NBL,” said Auckland Tuatara GM of Sport and Communication Dale Budge.
“Brian and his team at Eventfinda have been amazing to work with and have bent over backwards to accommodate us this year despite the huge challenge they faced in the wake of the flood damage.
“I also want to thank Mohamed and his team at Pulman Arena for being so accommodating.
“A change like this impacts a number of parties – Sky Television, the Sal’s NBL team, Harbour Basketball, Auckland Basketball Services, the arenas themselves and our own team of players, staff and volunteers. All parties have worked together to make this possible and to minimise disruption and it made a challenging process happen smoothly.
“We look forward to the experience.”
The Tuatara face the Saints at Pulman Arena in a warm-up to the Sal’s NBL finals with the game tipping off at 6pm on Sunday July 16.
The Tuatara are at home at Eventfinda Stadium against the Nelson Giants on Saturday from 5pm.