Meridian Centre: Press Release

The Canadian Elite Basketball League announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with SMG Canada on a multi-year lease that will see the Niagara River Lions play at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. SMG Canada operates the Centre on behalf of the City of St. Catharines. “The River Lions have been outstanding partners in the arena during the past three years, and we’re looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future,” said Jeff Dixon, General Manager with SMG Canada.

“The River Lions have been a huge part of our community. Their vision to enhance the entertainment experience for fans and to deliver high caliber professional basketball to St. Catharines is a real win for the people and businesses of the region. We’re looking forward to hosting the members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in one of Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venues.”

Under the agreement, the River Lions will be the exclusive basketball partner in the Meridian Centre, which seats 4,030 for basketball. The River Lions joined the CEBL in June following three years in the National Basketball League of Canada.

“We are excited that the Meridian Centre will be the exclusive home of the Niagara River Lions, and that the team’s passionate fan base will get to enjoy world class basketball and full-scale entertainment in the beautiful venue,” said Mike Morreale, chief executive officer of the CEBL. “As the only FIBA-affiliated professional basketball league in Canada, the CEBL will provide a new basketball experience. We would like to thank Jeff Dixon and SMG Canada for ensuring that the longstanding relationship between the Meridian CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · (289)273.5 905 · 2 FRONT STREET N, THOROLD, ONTARIO #HOLDCOURT Centre and the River Lions will continue to grow and benefit fans, players, and corporate and community partners.”

The inaugural season of the CEBL tips off in May 2019 and runs through August with teams in St. Catharines, Hamilton, Guelph, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Abbotsford. Teams will play 20 regular season games, including 10 at home. Season tickets for the River Lions will go on sale this fall, with an announcement planned shortly that will inform fans on how to sign up for seats with a deposit prior to the public on-sale. Further information may be obtained at www.cebl.ca.

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Media Contact: Michelle Biskup, Manager, Public Relations, Niagara River Lions, (905) 802-1656