CALGARY SURGE TO PLAY 2024 HOME OPENER AT THE SCOTIABANK SADDLEDOME
November 24, 2023 - The Calgary Surge will play their 2024 season opener at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the team announced at a community event on Thursday night.
The news of moving the 2024 home opener from a 3,200-seat venue into a full-sized arena comes as the organization unveiled its first State of the Surge Impact Report and screened a new documentary capturing the story behind the team’s successful inaugural season.
“We have been blown away by how Calgarians have rallied behind our basketball team, and are thrilled to bring the energy and excitement of the Calgary Surge to the heart of our city at the Scotiabank Saddledome,” said Usman Tahir Jutt, Chairman of the Calgary Surge. “This venue holds a special place in the hearts of Calgary sports fans, and we are eager to create a memorable moment for our supporters to start off the 2024 season.”
The decision to host the home opener at the Scotiabank Saddledome reflects the Calgary Surge’s commitment to providing their fast-growing fanbase with unforgettable experiences. This partnership is a testament to the growing popularity of basketball in Calgary and the team's dedication to expanding their presence across the city.
"There is definitely a sense of pride in bringing hometown basketball back to the 'Dome," said Jason Ribeiro, Vice-Chairman and President of the Calgary Surge. "We are incredibly excited to take all the best elements from our inaugural season and reintroduce ourselves to the city-at-large through a one-night-only, premier sports and entertainment event. We could not ask for a better way to tip off our second season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League."
The Surge’s season opener at the Saddledome is scheduled to take place in May of 2024. Fans can sign up at Surge2TheDome.ca for priority access to tickets and to be the first notified once the date and time are announced. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. Fans can anticipate a night filled with thrilling basketball action and entertainment and are encouraged to secure their seats early. The Surge’s remaining regular season games will be played at WinSport Event Centre, where they played their inaugural season in May, June, July, and August of 2023.
About the Calgary Surge
The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). From day one, the Surge have been committed to being the Home Team for Calgary and a space where everyone is welcome.
The Calgary Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport and entertainment. In their inaugural season, the Surge finished 1st overall in the Western Conference and were crowned Western Conference Champions in the playoffs. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca.
About the CEBL
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
About the Scotiabank Saddledome
The Scotiabank Saddledome is Calgary’s leader for entertainment excitement. Seating over 19,000 people and hosting over 150 events per year, it has something for everyone. It’s home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames, AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, and NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks. It has also played host to big-ticket concerts, world-class tournaments, ice shows, conventions, and more.
Media Contacts:
Hilary Fontus
Manager, Communications
Calgary Surge
514-918-7826
Meg Walsh
Champion Communications
403-389-1088