Release:
This basketball season the Halifax Rainmen and the Saint John Mill Rats are joining forces to embrace their Maritime rivalry.
The Premier Basketball Leagues teams have partnered with their title sponsor, Rogers, to present the inaugural Rogers Fan Cup. Both franchises hope the fan cup initiative will help foster fan support and aid in creating an active and friendly rivalry for years to come.
“We look forward to this friendly rivalry with Halifax and I know that the fans will get out and support us so that we come out in top,” said Saint John Mill Rats General Manager, Ian McCarthy.” We also look forward to the challenge of winning our game matchups against the Rainmen.”
The team with the most fan support as determined by percentage of seats sold when the Rainmen and Mill Rats face off against each other will win the cup for that specific year. The cup will be presented to the fans of the winning team at the end of the PBL season.
Additionally, each city’s mayor has climbed aboard the fan cup initiative. In a friendly bet, Mayor Court of Saint John has challenged Mayor Kelly of Halifax and they have agreed to the following terms: If the Rainmen win the most games versus the Mill Rats during their regular season match ups, Mayor Court will donate $100 to the charity of Mayor Kelly’s choice, give Mayor Kelly a case (12) of Moosehead beer, wear a Rainmen jersey at a council meeting and fly the City of Halifax’s flag for a day outside of City Hall.
If the Mill Rats win the most games versus the Rainmen during regular season play, Mayor Kelly will donate $100 to the chosen charity of Mayor Court, give Mayor Court a case (12) of Keith's beer, wear a Mill Rats jersey at a Council meeting and fly the City of Saint John's flag for a day outside of City Hall. If the teams split the game 2/2 the winner will be decided based upon points for and against.
“Were excited to partner with Saint John and our mutual title sponsor, Rogers, to bring fan engagement to the next level,” said Halifax Rainmen President & CEO, Andre Levingston. “It’s great to have another PBL team in the Martimes. I’m confident the rivalry between Halifax and Saint John will a competitive and friendly one for years to come.”
The Rainmen and the Mill Rats will meet each for the first time during the regular season in Halifax on Saturday, January 29 at 7 pm.