Basketball fans packed Harbour Station last Thursday night for the “Battle of the 506”.
The Saint John Riptide hosted the Moncton Magic in front of an estimated 5,400 fans — an attendance record, according to Mayor Don Darling.
Anticipation started a few weeks earlier when Darling encouraged residents to show their support for the team.
He tells us what started out as a bit of a fun challenge quickly became something even more.
This place is rocking as @sjriptide battle away. #goriptidego pic.twitter.com/cEsL139dsR
— Don Darling (@dondarlingSJ) March 29, 2018
“It turned into a bit of a civic pride event, if you will, and best basketball game I’ve ever seen,” says Darling. “Very close, these are two teams that are very evenly matched, and it was tense.”
Darling says the Riptide organization gives so much to the community, he wanted to do something for them.
“They really help enhance the quality of life here in our city,” he says. “I’ve got a little bit of a competitiveness in me so when I try to tackle something or set a goal, I like to achieve, so it was nice to see it all come together.”
The Riptide ended the nail-biter game with a 96-90 victory over the Magic, meaning Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold will have to wear a Riptide jersey for a day.
That was the best basketball ball game I’ve ever seen. The battle of the 506 was epic. Congratulations to both teams @sjriptide and @TheMonctonMagic on playing with heart. The best outcome is for both teams to draw more fans. @MayorMoncton will get the jersey to you. #goodsport pic.twitter.com/K1gdItAt8R
— Don Darling (@dondarlingSJ) March 30, 2018
