Interest In Rattlers Across The Province Sparks Change of Layout

Brennan Elliott • Apr 10, 2024

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the franchise will reset their court back to the set-up in 2019 with centre court in the middle of SaskTel Centre underneath their state-of-the-art jumbotron that was newly-installed in 2022. The Saskatchewan Rattlers were inaugural hosts of Championship Weekend in 2019; which featured multiple stages, fan-focused entertainment, premium seating, and many opportunities for partners to interact with fans of Saskatchewan’s only professional basketball team. 



Returning Rattlers President, Lee Genier spearheaded the decision after the franchise saw a spike in demand for tickets, corporate interest, increase of international televised broadcast partners, and with consultation of the newly-appointed Saskatchewan Rattlers Ambassadors


“We are very excited to see the incredibly revived interest in the Rattlers,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier “from both a corporate and community perspective.”


The decision to move the court and reset the seating chart was made in the best interest of the fans, and partners. Moving the court back to centre allows for better sightlines, hosting opportunities, a courtside lounge for premium-level seating, and allows for more seating options – the courtside seating options were sold out in January 2024; now they have multiple premium options available to purchase. 

2023 Rattlers MVP, Justin Wright-Foreman throws down Dunk Of The Year over top of Winnipeg Sea Bears, AJ Hess - in front of Courtside Season Ticket Members

SaskTel Centre has seen an uptick in attendance and interest in events happening in their venue; with multiple sold out shows and events including the Saskatoon Blades, Morgan Wallen in September 2023, and Noah Kahan last month. The SaskTel Centre supports the new layout change for the Rattlers and looks to continue to lead the province in high-quality entertainment with the ability to support large groups in their 51 Luxury Suites throughout their venue. 


“During Championship Weekend in 2019, the venue was full with opportunities to showcase performances on multiple stages throughout the building” said SaskTel Centre CEO, John Howden. “We fully support this new venue layout and we are excited for the Rattlers to fill SaskTel Centre this summer.”

The Saskatchewan Rattlers raise the CEBL Trophy after the 2019 CEBL Champsionship Final while standing on a baseline stage at SaskTel Centre

The CEBL and SaskTel Centre purchased their court from the Toronto Raptors in 2018 which historically has been stood on by NBA icons and holds a legacy for basketball in Canada. The Rattlers look to return to their 2019 Championship mentality this season, and their story starts with the overwhelming interest the team has seen over the last couple of months. The Canadian-wide league saw a record year in 2023 with the Western Conference rival, the Winnipeg Sea Bears setting a new CEBL attendance record of 11,400 fans. The franchise aims to sell-out their home opener on May 22nd when they host the Winnipeg Sea Bears.


The full 2024 Rattlers schedule has been released including the dates of their 10 home games. The Rattlers will announce a variety of fan-focused theme games, and entertainment. With a successful push to playoffs – there is potential for one home playoff game happening in early August prior to Championship Weekend (CW24) happening in Montréal, QC from August 9-11, 2024.


The Rattlers are led by Head Coach Larry Abney, who joins Saskatchewan from the Los Angeles Clippers organization. The roster brings experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. They will continue to unveil the 2024 roster leading up to their Training Camp in mid-May. 

Rattlers Head Coach, Larry Abney brings experience from six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers as their Player Development Coach

Current season ticket members and partners have had their seats moved back to their original or most corresponding seating option by their Rattlers account executive. Current season ticket members can manage their seats by using Account Manager. Season tickets range from $175 in the Fang Zone to $850 for courtside row 2 (All row 1 options are sold out). Single Game Tickets are available by utilizing the Flex Ticket Bundles. All tickets can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. Single game tickets will be available soon. For more seating options, suites, group rates, and partnership opportunities; fans can contact an account executive or Ivan Brown (Director of Partnerships)


About the Saskatchewan Rattlers


The Saskatchewan Rattlers are Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, one of the six original teams in the CEBL – the Rattlers won the 2019 inaugural season championship. Playing out of SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – the Rattlers offer an entertainment-focused environment surrounded by some of the world’s top professional athletes. The Rattlers are a community-first organization and take pride in their ability to bring communities together while making sport more accessible to the province.


About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)


A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on InstagramTwitterTikTokLinkedInFacebook YouTube.


For more information on the Saskatchewan Rattlers professional basketball team - visit therattlers.ca


Contact:

Brennan Elliott

Director, Brand and Communications

Saskatchewan Rattlers

(306) 244-2181

[email protected]


*Above pricing based on Season Ticket Membership - 11 home games (10 regular season and 1 potential playoff), all taxes and fees included in price

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