Kelowna is set to host a professional basketball game in June.
The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have partnered with the City of Kelowna to play a game in the Central Okanagan.
The first neutral-site home game in franchise history will be played against the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club on Saturday, June 6, with tip-off set for 6 pm at Prospera Place.
It will serve as the marquee event of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a new basketball festival designed to celebrate basketball at every level.
Along with the CEBL game, it will also include a youth 5x5 tournament, a coaching clinic and additional programming still to be announced.
Bandits president Dylan Kular calls it “a historic moment” for both the club and professional basketball in British Columbia.
“Fans can expect fast-paced, high-energy basketball paired with an electric game-day atmosphere, and a fan-first experience that will bring communities together inside and outside the arena,” he explained.
“Bringing our first neutral-site home game to Kelowna as part of Kelowna HOOPFEST is about growing the game and connecting with new communities.”
Mayor Tom Dyas says the CEBL coming to town is the latest step in Kelowna building its reputation as a premier event-hosting city.
Kelowna hosted a neutral-site Canadian Premier League game at the Apple Bowl in the summer of 2024 and the BC Lions will play two home games at the same venue this year during the FIFA World Cup.
“The first-ever Kelowna HOOPFEST and surrounding events will bring people to our city, support local businesses and provide a boost to our local economy,” noted Dyas.
Tickets for the Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan CEBL showdown in Kelowna are on sale now, with additional details surrounding Kelowna HOOPFEST to be announced in the weeks to come.
