Breakers confirm Vector Arena for playoffs

The Breakers have today confirmed that Vector Arena will play host to all play-off matches the club might be involved in at the conclusion of this year's NBL regular season. Game one of the semi finals will be played at Vector Arena on Friday March 30th, and should a third game be required in the series, the two teams involved (the Breakers opponent is yet to be decided) will return to Vector Arena on Saturday April 7th. Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke confirmed the news at practice today. "We are delighted to confirm the larger Vector Arena for all of our play-off games, with dates set aside now to cover all bases, depending on who we come up against and what travel there might be between games," he said. "one of the key issues to consider in the play-off schedule is player recovery and making sure we don't compromise their chances of success. By playing three regular season games at Vector we have allowed the players and coaches to become comfortable with the environment there but we must also make sure we are not jeopardising their performances by shortening preparation. Clarke said the venue will hold up to 8,500 fans for each game. "I can also confirm that we will be operating at capacity, with seating at both end zones, taking seating up to approximately 8,500 - we won't know the exact number until we work out sight lines. Tickets are on sale as of today to our membership and key sponsors and we are also offering priority booking to fans who purchase club memberships for next season (available online), they must move quickly though as this is only available this week. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday next week via the club website www.nzbreakers.co.nz." Demand is likely to be high given the huge over subscription for tickets to last year's play-off games at the smaller North Shore Events Centre and with the club already having sold out Vector Arena this year to set a record for crowd attendance at a basketball game in New Zealand, a new record and another sell-out is a distinct possibility. Dates and times for any possible Grand Final Series matches will be made available if the Breakers qualify, first they must overcome either the Gold Coast Blaze, Townsville Crocodiles or the Cairns Taipans in a best of three semi final series, with that opponent not known until possibly the last day of the regular season.