‘Make as much noise as possible’: Vancouver Grizzlies fans set to rally for NBA’s return

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A group of Grizzlies fans will use tonight’s NBA pre-season game to share their message: bring the NBA back to Vancouver.

The LA Clippers are set to tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, where fans will welcome back former Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard.

But, for protest organizer Kat Jayme, it’s an opportunity to send a message to the league.

“We only get one shot, because the NBA comes once every year. This is our opportunity to make as much noise as possible,” she said on Sportsnet 650’s Starting Lineup Thursday morning. “And to get the light bulb going for potential investors that this is something that they should get behind.”

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Unfortunately for Jayme, Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini recently told Sportsnet 650, “that it’s going to be about a $2 billion venture, and that is a very big ask, rally or no rally.”

For fans, the Grizzlies will always be a part of Vancouver. The goal of the protest, Jayme said, is to “show the NBA we have a big fan base.”

The Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001.

Jayme encourages fans to attend the protest at 4:30 p.m., decked out in their Grizzlies gear.

-With files from Sonia Aslam