Extra seating needed

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 14

Extra seating needed

Success breeds success — and after three Canterbury successes in the Countrywide senior men’s basketball championship, the Canterbury association is now faced with providing more accommodation for the increasing crowds.

Saturday’s CanterburyHamilton match was a sellout; some people sat or stood in the aisles or round the perimeter of the court. Such is the growing popularity of the unbeaten Canterbury team that the Canterbury association’s president, Mr Peter Crowhen, said that Saturday’s match against Auckland Metro will have to have additional seating. “W.e are going to put up the stand, usually reserved for international matches, on the No. 2 court and that should cope with the expected crowd,” Mr Crowhen said.

“Canterbury has been lucky; twice the side has been on television in the last week and not only has it drawn a substantial viewer audience but the home-town crowd want to see the players in person. The latter reason is why we have to expand our seating,” Mr Crowhen said.

“When you are winning, as Canterbury is doing, the crowds go with you. Basketball in this province can only benefit from the experience and next Saturday evening we will give the public a decent chance bf seeing what a good side it has,” Mr Crowhen said.