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Tim BontempsESPN
The Raptors will continue to play home games in Tampa, Florida, for the remainder of the 2020-21 NBA season, citing boundary restrictions and being “ aware of public safety precautions ” in Toronto as factors preventing them from returning home at any point. turn to play. this season.
Florida made us feel very welcome and we are so grateful for the hospitality we found in Tampa and at Amalie [Arena] – we live in a city of champions, and we intend to continue the tradition of winning for our new friends and fans here, ”Raptors president Masai Ujiri said in a statement on Thursday.
“But home is where the heart is, and our heart is in Toronto. We often think about our fans, our Scotiabank Arena family, and everyone we miss at home, and we can’t wait until we can all be together.” once.”
The Raptors worked with the City of Toronto for weeks before the season to find a way to play games at home, but eventually had to move to the United States.
At the time, the Raptors said they hoped to be able to return to Toronto later in the season, and said the decision to move to Tampa wasn’t set in stone until the first half of the season.
It became official for the entire season on Thursday.
Baseball Toronto Blue Jays went through a similar process last summer, negotiating to play games at home before eventually moving to Buffalo, New York, for the 2020 season.
After starting the season 2-8, the Raptors have since gone 10-5 and have a 6-5 score at Amalie Arena. They have a chance of hitting .500 on Thursday night when they visit the Boston Celtics.