Gigantes de Carolina (BSN) open a historic chapter in Canóvanas

Tomorrow, Thursday, history takes a turn, and the two fan bases, which were once rivals, come together to celebrate a new chapter in the BSN.

The presentation of Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual, in Canóvanas, as the new home of the Gigantes de Carolina is the first formal step in a process that represents much more than a simple change of venue.

It will mark a historic milestone not only for the team but also for the municipality and the fans who, for years, witnessed a fierce rivalry between two storied franchises: the Gigantes de Carolina and the Indios de Canóvanas of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).

Gigantes de Carolina owner Héctor Horta expressed his gratitude for the support received from both the Canóvanas municipal administration and all the fans who have shown their loyalty to the team during this transition.

"Now we have more support than ever. I am extremely honored by this movement that has been created. We have the union of two towns and an entire region. I am confident that our fan base will pack this coliseo," Horta said in an interview with Platea, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between the communities of Carolina and Canóvanas.

With a maximum capacity of 5,500 fans, the Coliseo is already sold out for this historic occasion. The energy on the court will reflect not only the enthusiasm of the Gigantes' new fans but also that of those who have chosen to move forward together, leaving old rivalries behind.

"It's going to be electric energy. The energy we had in Carolina is definitely going to carry over to our new home. At the end of the day, it's the fans who make the game,"

Héctor Horta, Gigantes de Carolina owner

Horta added that the new coliseo has all the amenities they had at the old venue, plus more restrooms, a balcony area for season-ticket holders and concessions.

🏀 The detail: Improvements to Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual required an investment of approximately one million dollars, the result of a collaboration among the Municipality of Canóvanas, the team's management, and private and legislative funds, making this season a unique one for all basketball fans in the region.

"This league is promising. This is going to be a fascinating season for us. The whole city is excited and buzzing after 34 years without BSN activity here in Canóvanas," said Canóvanas Mayor Lorna Soto to Platea, adding that she hopes the Gigantes will consider staying in the municipality permanently.

• The anticipated game: The weight of this united fan base will be felt at the inaugural game, to be held this Thursday against the Capitanes de Arecibo. The game starts at 8:00 p.m.

On how the players are feeling, Gigantes head coach Carlos González said they are "extremely excited. All the sacrifice was worth it. Finally having a home, however big or small, is an enormous achievement, and we are very happy with how it turned out and to know we have the support of our fan base."

The Gigantes' move to Canóvanas was not a decision made lightly. The relocation was forced after Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau decided not to lease Coliseo Guillermo Angulo for the 2025 season.

• That left the team searching for a new home, and they found an answer in the proposal to use Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual in Canóvanas, where fans will be welcomed tomorrow into a renovated, energized space.

This Thursday, Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual will not only host a presentation but mark the consolidation of a new era for the BSN.

Transportation will be available from Los Outlets de Canóvanas

The Coliseo has parking for 600 vehicles, and public transportation will be available from the Outlets de Canóvanas to the arena.

🗓️ Local game schedule for the Gigantes de Carolina for the 2025 BSN season

Below are all the Gigantes de Carolina home games, to be played at the Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual in Canóvanas.

All games start at 8:00 p.m., except for Sunday games, which begin at 6:00 p.m.

This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).