Ottawa BlackJacks Welcome Fans for the First Time at TD Place
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday it will be the first professional sports team in the nation’s capital to welcome fans since the start of the global pandemic. Following health guidelines set forth by the Province of Ontario as it moves into Phase 3 of its reopening plan on July 16, the team will be permitted to admit up to 1,000 fans for its final three home games at the Arena at TD Place on July 17, July 26 and August 4.
Current BlackJacks ticket holders (season memberships and flex packs) have an exclusive period of time to lock in their seats. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase by the general public on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. by visiting www.theblackjacks.ca. Tickets start as low as $25.
Remaining 2021 Ottawa BlackJacks Regular Season Home Games
July 17 at 4 p.m. vs. Edmonton
July 26 at 7 p.m. vs. Saskatchewan
August 4 at 7 p.m. vs. Guelph
BlackJacks games are open for fans to purchase tickets and to sit in accordance with a seating configuration that has been designed by venue partner Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) in consultation with health authorities and approved by the CEBL Chief Medical Officer, to ensure the comfort and safety of all patrons that enter The Arena at TD Place.
As part of increased safety measures, The Arena at TD Place has moved to electronic ticketing and paperless transactions (no cash). Fans attending games will have access to hand sanitizer stations that have been distributed throughout the building and face coverings will be required by all patrons.
The four Ontario-based CEBL teams (Guelph, Hamilton, Niagara, and Ottawa) joined the remaining franchises in the league who have been permitted to entertain fans in their venues since early July.
The CEBL became the first Canadian professional league to return to play in 2020 when it launched the CEBL Summer Series, which saw its seven teams convene in St. Catharines, Ontario, for a single-site condensed season. The BlackJacks advanced to the semifinals, losing to the eventual champion Edmonton Stingers.
Ottawa will play its last game without fans on Saturday when the team plays host to the Fraser Valley Bandits live on CBC Gem, CEBL+ and TSN 1200 Ottawa. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Quotes:
“The CEBL has worked tirelessly to return to action once again, understanding the role basketball can play in helping bring joy to Canadians. The Ottawa BlackJacks are proud to be the first pro team back in our nation’s capital, and first to welcome our amazing fans, who have never experienced a game in person. BlackJacks fans have been so engaged with the team online, and now we finally get to show our appreciation live in a safe environment. On behalf of the entire organization, thank you to the thousands of healthcare professionals, frontline workers and vaccination clinic volunteers for sacrificing so much for us to begin enjoying events such as professional basketball.”
- Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
###
About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks will showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. In its inaugural campaign, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2020 CEBL Summer Series. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by general manager Jevohn Shepherd, assistant general manager Andy Rautins and head coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa will play its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 80 per cent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players come from the NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to more information on CEBL.ca or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Linkedin, Facebook & YouTube. (@cebleague).
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks