RIVER LIONS ANNOUNCE RETURN OF SCHOOL DAY GAME FOR 2026

St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara River Lions are excited to announce the return of their annual School Day Game as part of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The school day game, presented by Alfred Beam Excavating, will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines versus the Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club. This signature event connects the classroom with the basketball court, promoting healthy and active living, teamwork, sportsmanship, and community engagement.

The 2026 School Day Game will be the River Lions fourth consecutive season hosting this special event, welcoming thousands of students from across the Niagara Region and beyond to experience River Lions basketball. Last year’s School Day Game in 2025 saw record-breaking attendance, filling the entire arena with 4,454 attendees, the highest attended game in franchise history. The day will feature a range of interactive activities and performances, giving students countless opportunities to participate and immerse themselves in the game day experience.



“There’s no louder or more unforgettable atmosphere than a School Day Game. The excitement, the pride, the pure joy from every student in the stands - it’s something our players and staff look forward to all year. We’re proud to host the 2026 School Day Game and can’t wait to celebrate the next generation of fans, leaders, and changemakers.”said River Lions President, Michelle Biskup.

Local businesses are encouraged to support the event through the ‘Adopt a School’ program, which helps provide access to students who may not otherwise be able to attend a professional basketball game with their classmates.

Seating at the game is limited to the public, bowl and club seating at the game is reserved exclusively for students. Courtside seating will be available to the general public for purchase at a discounted rate. 

For ticketing information or to learn more about the School Day Game, please contact Dom Labrecque at 289-273-5905 or dlabrecque@riverlions.ca.

The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose.

Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.

For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.

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Media Contact:
Mya Hastings
Social Media Marketing Coordinator 
mhastings@riverlions.ca