Fans come flooding back

NBL crowds are set to return to near full capacity in Victoria and New South Wales just in time for season tip-off on December 3.

With vaccination rates across both states soaring, state governments have mapped out plans for spectators to safely return to stadiums.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has set a goal of 80,000 fans to attend the Boxing Day Test while New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet says the state is to be “fully reopened” by December 1.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has welcomed the news, saying it justifies the league’s decision to put fans first and delay the opener.

“When we shifted our season back to start on December 3, fans were our priority and having them back in stadiums around the country and in New Zealand, and watching their teams play again, as often as possible, was our main aim,” Loeliger said via The Age.

“We are delighted things are opening up around the nation, and we look forward to seeing the stands full at games. There’s so much anticipation ahead of tip-off, and we can’t wait to see our fans back where they belong.”

The first game in Victoria this season is on December 4 when South East Melbourne hosts Illawarra at John Cain Arena while Sydney hosts Melbourne the next day at Qudos Bank Arena.