A roof leak at MyState Bank Arena forced a brief delay in the JackJumpers’ NBL game against South East Melbourne Phoenix this afternoon.
The incident occurred with just under four minutes remaining in the second quarter, as water began leaking onto the court.
Play was immediately stopped as officials rushed to locate and plug the leak.
“Can somebody go on the top of that thing and put some glue on it or something? We can’t sit around waiting on this leak,” an ESPN commentator joked during the broadcast.
Storms were occurring across Greater Hobart at the time of the incident.
The delay comes just days after NBL owner Larry Kestelman called on the Tasmanian Government to prioritise upgrades and expansion at the stadium.
Kestelman had earlier this week told News Corp that the stadium needed more seats to accommodate the JackJumpers’ ever-growing fanbase, which has sold out 51 straight games.
“The commitment by the government to the team over the past four years to the tune of about $10 million is greatly appreciated and we feel has provided and amazing return to the Apple Isle,” he said.
“The main investment the government has made is to its own venue,” – referencing the $56 million redevelopment of MyState Bank Arena (formerly the Derwent Entertainment Centre).
“The government deserves a pat on the back for having the vision to invest because it’s proved to be an amazing investment and I hope with AFL coming, they continue to invest in basketball.”
