Something that has not been in Lethbridge for close to 50 years makes its return to the city this weekend, and that something is professional basketball.
The Calgary Surge, members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, host a special game against the Montreal Alliance on Saturday, June 20 at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
The matchup is dubbed the ‘SURGE 2 LETHBRIDGE’ and marks the first time in 47 years that professional basketball will descend upon the city.
Connor Gunn, director of ticket sales for the Surge, said attendees can expect high-energy play on the court and family fun in the arena.
“They can expect high excitement, tons of energy and the best professional basketball you’ve ever seen in Canada outside of the Toronto Raptors,” he remarked.
“Realistically, this is the highest or second highest league in the world in terms of talent, especially in North America, it’s number two – only behind the NBA.”
Gunn added that many of the players in the CEBL have experience in the G-League, which is the development system of the National Basketball Association.
He believes the league is growing and will continue to do so, especially with special out-of-market games like the matchup in Lethbridge on Saturday.
“The more eyes we put on it [the CEBL] and the more money we put into it, like we’re doing here with Lethbridge, trying to get people out, will just benefit it,” Gunn said.
For fans, he said the hope is to ensure they leave the arena pleasantly surprised by their experience at the game. “We’re going to definitely try and take their breath away and make sure that they have a great time.”
Gunn said fans can expect in-game entertainment, crowd participation and a ‘party-like atmosphere’. “It’s not just basketball. You’re paying for an experience,” he stated.
The Calgary team originated in Guelph, Ontario before moving to Alberta in 2023.
Gunn said since the move, the club has made it to the league finals twice in its first three years in the province. “It’s a testament to how hard we all work, and it’s a testament to how hard our fanbase works for us,” he said.
“We’re excited to fully bring that same [fan] experience to Lethbridge at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena at five o’clock on Saturday.”
Gunn added that for ticket purchasers, the team has a ‘buy one-get one’ promotion, reiterating that, “[Fans] can expect high-octane energy for a great price”.
Tickets to the game are available on the Calgary Surge website.
READ MORE: Calgary Surge bringing high-octane basketball to Lethbridge this summer
