Sheffield Sharks heading back to EIS with Ponds Forge still closed

Sharks spent more than a decade at the EIS before relocating back to their original home of Ponds Forge last season.

However, the 2019-20 BBL season was curtailed due to coronavirus and subsequently, Ponds Forge has not been reopened by operators Sheffield City Trust.

That meant the Sharks were temporarily homeless, but they have returned to a site that is familiar to them at the EIS.

No date has been set yet for the resumptoion of the BBL season, which traditionally begins in September, although it is understood the 2020-21 campaign will begin in October.

And in an open letter to fans, Sharks chairman Yuri Matischen hinted that fans may be in attendance for their first game back.

Matischen wrote: “I am happy to inform you that we will now be relocated back to the English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS) for all 2020-21 home fixtures which we will post as soon as we have them from the BBL.

“As you may have heard sporting events will be subject to reduced numbers and we have had to take the measure of limiting season tickets. We will of course inform you of how and when any game tickets can be purchased, though at this stage outside of season ticket holders we cannot make any guarantees.

“We will of course be subject to Covid-19 safety measures and as such we will be allocating you seating in the groups you have reserved your tickets in.

“We look forward to seeing you again whereby we can once again enjoy top-flight live basketball.”