Pacers-Pelicans Game In New Orleans Postponed Due To Leaky Arena Roof

The game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night was postponed following a roof leak that caused a nearly two-hour delay.

Pacers vs. Pelicans Game postponement news

The leak at the arena briefly allowed rainwater to puddle near one of the foul lines. Crews fashioned a fabric catch basin in the rafters to stop water from dripping onto the court.

Tipoff was scheduled for 8 pm, and around 9:45 the announcement was made that the game would be postponed. A rescheduled date for the game has not yet been announced.

“You want to get this game going, but a real risk to the players with that floor being wet like that,” Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. “Not a chance you want to take.

“They told us right before warmups that there was going to be a delay, that the roof was leaking and that they were going to try and fix that problem. They didn’t want the teams coming out until further notice. We knew right after our (pregame) meeting that there was going to be a delay.”

Alan Freeman, general manager of the Smoothie King Center, said he noticed the leak at around 7:20pm.

Pacers guard Joe Young said players attempted to stay loose by stretching, although the longer the delay lasted, the more they realized the game could likely not be held.

“You always got to be ready, adapt to all decisions, but I think coach made the right decision with us not going,” said Young. “It’s been what, an hour? Once it’s an hour, you start to lose focus a little bit.”

The Pelicans’ dance team and mascot tried to entertain fans during the nearly two-hour delay.

The Pelicans released a written statement saying tickets for the postponed game would be honored when the game is made up. The team has not yet announced plans to offer refunds.

OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 07: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in action against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 7, 2016 in Oakland, California.