Hapoel Tel Aviv Announces Return to Drive-In Arena After Fan Vote
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club will return to its home, the Drive-In arena, after 80% of season ticket holders voted in favor. The team's first home game is scheduled for October 18 against Maccabi Ashdod. The decision aims to mend relations between owner Ofer Yanai and fans, who had protested playing at the larger Menora Mivtachim Arena. The club will prioritize season ticket holders for any remaining tickets.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv will return to the Drive-In arena after a fan vote on February 22, 2026.
- The first home game back at the Drive-In is scheduled for October 18 against Maccabi Ashdod.
- 80% of 2,670 season ticket holders voted to return to the Drive-In.
- Owner Ofer Yanai's preference for the Menora Mivtachim Arena had caused fan protests.
- The club aims to repair the relationship between the owner and the fanbase.
- Only season ticket holders will be eligible to purchase remaining tickets.
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club officially announced its return to its home arena, the Shlomo Group Arena, also known as Drive-In, following a fan decision made on February 22, 2026. The team's first home game will be against Maccabi Ashdod on Sunday, October 18, at 6:30 PM. The club clarified that all league, State Cup, and potential playoff games will be played at the Drive-In. A dedicated section will be allocated for families with children, and single tickets will not be sold to the general public; any remaining tickets will be offered exclusively to club season ticket holders.
Club Chairman Stav Shaham expressed pride and excitement about returning to the Drive-In and the upcoming season opener, calling the homecoming a significant moment for the club and its "Red community." He urged fans to purchase season tickets to support the team.
The decision addresses a strained relationship between owner Ofer Yanai and a significant portion of the fanbase, particularly the ultras group. The conflict stemmed from Yanai's preference to play at the larger Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, a move widely opposed by fans who viewed it as a betrayal and loss of the team's identity. Yanai had argued the move was an economic and professional necessity due to his substantial investment and the team's potential entry into the Euroleague.
Fan protests and boycotts had led to a severe crisis between the owner and supporters. In response to the ongoing tension, Yanai initiated a poll among season ticket holders on February 19, 2026. The results, published on February 22, 2026, showed that 80% of the 2,670 voters favored returning to the Drive-In for Israeli league games. The club's management aims to repair the damaged relationship with the fans, acknowledging the team's large fanbase and the need for their enthusiastic support, especially with a strong roster and potential return of European games to Israel.
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