The “Tampa Bay Raptors” are here to stay. At least until the 2020-21 NBA season wraps up.

The Raptors confirmed on Thursday that they would continue playing their home games in Tampa Bay’s Amalie Arena throughout the remainder of the current NBA season. According to the team’s announcement, the decision was made due to “ongoing border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mindful of public safety measures in Canada.”

The Raptors were forced to find a new home after it became evident that they wouldn’t be able to play their home games in Toronto and their Scotiabank Arena this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several cities were in play as their substitute home, including Kansas City, but the organization decided to settle in Tampa Bay.

So far, the switch has been tough on the Raptors as they had a rough start of the season. They have a 12-13 record and are currently tied for No. 5 in East with the Indiana Pacers.

“Home is where the heart is, and our hearts are in Toronto,” said Raptors president Masai Ujiri. “We think often of our fans, of our Scotiabank Arena family, and all those we are missing back home, and we can’t wait until we can all be together again.”

The post Raptors Will Play in Tampa Bay for Remainder of 2020-21 NBA Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Toronto Raptors are considering calling Tampa Bay their home for 2020/21 NBA season if Canada keeps travel restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tampa Bay Times‘ Eduardo A. Encina, Raptors already engaged in preliminary discussions with the city officials.

If they choose Tampa Bay, Raptors would be the first NBA or WNBA basketball team in the city. They would be playing in Amalie Arena, currently the home of reigning Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Ideally, the Raptors are able to play their upcoming season in Toronto, but should that not be possible, we would have a strong interest in working to successfully meet and exceed their expectations as an alternative host,” said Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s executive director Rob Higgins about the possibility. “We’ve enjoyed our preliminary conversations with their organization and stand ready to assist if needed.”

It is important to note that the Raptors haven’t made up their mind yet and that they are considering several other options as well. Also, the team is hoping that the Canadian government might loosen its restrictions soon, enabling them to remain in Toronto. At the moment, Canada requires all “non-essential” visitors to quarantine for two weeks upon entering the country.

The new NBA season is scheduled to tip-off on December 22nd, while the teams are expected to enter training camp on December 1st.

The post Raptors Consider Playing in Tampa Bay if Canada Keeps Travel Restrictions appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The “Tampa Bay Raptors” are here to stay. At least until the 2020-21 NBA season wraps up.

The Raptors confirmed on Thursday that they would continue playing their home games in Tampa Bay’s Amalie Arena throughout the remainder of the current NBA season. According to the team’s announcement, the decision was made due to “ongoing border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mindful of public safety measures in Canada.”

The Raptors were forced to find a new home after it became evident that they wouldn’t be able to play their home games in Toronto and their Scotiabank Arena this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several cities were in play as their substitute home, including Kansas City, but the organization decided to settle in Tampa Bay.

So far, the switch has been tough on the Raptors as they had a rough start of the season. They have a 12-13 record and are currently tied for No. 5 in East with the Indiana Pacers.

“Home is where the heart is, and our hearts are in Toronto,” said Raptors president Masai Ujiri. “We think often of our fans, of our Scotiabank Arena family, and all those we are missing back home, and we can’t wait until we can all be together again.”

The post Raptors Will Play in Tampa Bay for Remainder of 2020-21 NBA Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Toronto Raptors are considering calling Tampa Bay their home for 2020/21 NBA season if Canada keeps travel restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tampa Bay Times‘ Eduardo A. Encina, Raptors already engaged in preliminary discussions with the city officials.

If they choose Tampa Bay, Raptors would be the first NBA or WNBA basketball team in the city. They would be playing in Amalie Arena, currently the home of reigning Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Ideally, the Raptors are able to play their upcoming season in Toronto, but should that not be possible, we would have a strong interest in working to successfully meet and exceed their expectations as an alternative host,” said Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s executive director Rob Higgins about the possibility. “We’ve enjoyed our preliminary conversations with their organization and stand ready to assist if needed.”

It is important to note that the Raptors haven’t made up their mind yet and that they are considering several other options as well. Also, the team is hoping that the Canadian government might loosen its restrictions soon, enabling them to remain in Toronto. At the moment, Canada requires all “non-essential” visitors to quarantine for two weeks upon entering the country.

The new NBA season is scheduled to tip-off on December 22nd, while the teams are expected to enter training camp on December 1st.

The post Raptors Consider Playing in Tampa Bay if Canada Keeps Travel Restrictions appeared first on SportzBonanza.