The Windsor Express of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) officially kick off the 2016 Season, their fifth season in the six-year-old league, with the announcement of next week’s free Pro Cup tournament hosted by the Windsor express at the St. Clair College Sportsplex.

In attendance for the Windsor express was Dartis Willis, President and CEO, Bill Jones, Windsor Express coach, and Dylan Cullis, Manager of Corporate Partnerships and Ticket Sales.

Hoping to double last year’s 250 season-ticket commitment to 500, Cullis announced that for every adult season-ticket purchased in the bowl section of the arena, a season ticket will be provided free of charge for the family youth member, 13 years of age and under. These will be equivalent seating tickets so the family can sit together and enjoy quality professional basketball here in Windsor.

Sections 114 through 116 will be designated premium sideline seating with all the amenities generally reserved for those who sit courtside. In addition to these new initiatives senior, student and youth ticket pricing from previous years will also be in effect. Season tickets are now available online at windsorexpress.ca or by calling 519 800-3665.

President Willis has just returned from NBL Canada Board of Directors meetings in London, Ontario this week and reports that the continued growth and outlook for this league is very positive with the addition of two new teams this season, one in Cape Breton and another in Kitchener Waterloo. This brings the league total to 10 teams. The league schedule will begin December 26 and run through April 22 with playoffs proceeding immediately afterwards until May 23 with the current best of five/seven/ seven game format throughout the three rounds.

This week the Windsor Express is hosting a free event for basketball fans at the St. Clair College Sportsplex on August 21 from 10 AM to 5 PM. This summer Pro Cup Tournament will feature six teams of quality basketball talent that will be evaluated by many of the teams both in the NBL and beyond. There should be at least 20 to 30 Canadian players participating, so here’s a great opportunity to see some of the future stars of the NBL.

The Windsor Express have won two national championships in their four years here in Windsor, barely missing a third national championship. The organization has demonstrated a strong commitment to Windsor-Essex and can be frequently seen at community events, whether it’s parades, charitable and educational functions. President Willis is hoping to see an increase in attendance through this new promotion of free season tickets for the youth with the purchase of adult season-tickets. He has a burning desire, as do many of us, to see the level of fan support continue to build and challenge that London basketball team from down the 401.

Dylan Cullis of the Express front office describes the amazing “free” season ticket package for Windsor Essex Youth. Season tickets are available now.

Story, photo and interview by Joe McParland.