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Pontiac, Illinois selected for MPBA expansion

By Craig Fata, 09/21/15, 7:15PM CDT

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Team to be called 66ers, play in historic facility

 

September 21, 2015

ST. LOUIS – The city of Pontiac, Illinois has had a rich history that includes both outstanding basketball and a deep connection with America’s “Mother Road,” Route 66.

                    In January 2016, the city will merge those relationships, as the Midwest Professional Basketball Association has officially selected Pontiac as its next market for expansion, adding a team to be called the Pontiac 66ers.

                    The 66ers will play at historic Pontiac High School, home of the oldest holiday high school basketball tournament in the United States, and will be operated as a joint venture between the MPBA and a group of local investors.

                    “There were many factors contributing to the decision to add Pontiac to our league,” said C. Edward “Ed” Schumer, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the MPBA.  "The support of the Pontiac Superintendent and Athletic Director, the warm welcome and sincere interest of the mayor and civic leaders, the immediate interest of many key business leaders and the enthusiasm of the leadership of the Illinois Basketball Museum made this a very easy decision,” Schumer said.

                    “Pontiac is a wonderful community that’s right in the middle of our geographic footprint,” said Craig Fata, Vice President and Director of Communications for the MPBA.  “There’s a great history of support for basketball, and we believe it will carry over to the 66ers.  We look forward to being an engaging part of the community,” Fata said.

                    The search for a head coach is under way, as is the search for a general manager and other front office positions.  The team will announce those details, including its logo, at a news conference, to be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.  The season, the MPBA’s second, will begin in January, 2016.