Hong Kong Bulls race against time to find venue for Chinese basketball play-offs
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The Hong Kong outfit are one of eight teams in the Chinese second-tier league this season. They have confirmed receipt of a warning letter from the Chinese Basketball Association, stating there is insufficient space between the stands – the goalposts – and the walls.
The NBL's standards are on par with the requirements of the sport's world governing body, Fiba, whose Level 1 matches require a minimum of two metres of unobstructed space.
The post-season, which features four teams, will run between August 30 and September 25, with the final a best-of-seven series.
The Post understands that the Bulls are still actively looking for other venue options in the city to stage their play-off matches. Sources said that Hong Kong Coliseum was already found to be 'off limits' and had to be booked a full year in advance.
Southorn Stadium has been deemed not up to standard by the NBL. Photo: Handout
'Kai Tak Arena could be available for some of the best-of-five semi-final series matches, but it is unlikely it could accommodate all three home matches,' the source said.
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