For some time there's been speculation on the message boards about where the Sheffield Sharks will be playing their BBL games this season. However, since the Sharks' website made no mention of any move, and the BBL site still listed (indeed, still lists, just two weeks prior to the start of the season) the Sharks' venues as Ponds' Forge and the Hallam FM Arena, it seemed that speculation was all that it was. It was Iain McKinney, however, who finally, inadvertently, gave substance to the rumours. In his interview about the end to his playing career he commented, " ... I’ll be going to the EIS to see the people who I have known for so long...". Within two days, the Sharks themselves, while not formally announcing the switch, had confirmed it with the match-day information on their website, informing fans that "... car parking will be available at English Institute of Sport ..." and that "... the bar will be situated in the EISS hospitality areas". I wonder how long it'll be before BBL catch up with the change? The interesting fact is that the Sharks will now be sharing a venue with EBL Division 1's Sheffield Arrows, although I notice that their home games are never on the same day!
Now two teams sharing a city is one
thing, but sharing a venue ... ? Since I believe that the two clubs are not
exactly the best of friends to start with, I foresee interesting times ahead! .
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