ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – With this year’s NBA finals underway between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, most spectators will idolize the teams and their players. But, some of the most important aspects of the sport are the courts those teams play on.
Ishpeming’s Robbins Sports Surfaces is no stranger to the game. Plant Manager Jeff Adriano has been working with Robbins for almost 18 years. He says their work shows the impacts of what the small town can really do.
“For 26 of the 30 NBA teams, we provide either their basketball courts or their practice facilities,” said Adriano. “It’s kind of a big deal that in little Ishpeming Michigan, you have a company that is providing something seen on an international stage.”
Robbins flooring originated in the late 1800’s, and shifted into recreational flooring by the 1950’s. Since 2001, they have focused on building portable basketball floors.
These floors can be broken down into sections, using a hardware system similar to ski bindings, locking the panels in place. This also allows for adjustments to be made in fluctuating temperatures where the wood can shift.
“With the portable basketball floors, that allows the arenas to be multiple use,” said Adriano. “One night they could have a basketball game, then the next night have a concert, then the next night have another basketball game. It allows for the arenas to be used throughout the year.”
Last year for the NBA Cup games, Robbin’s was challenged by the league to build 30 courts over the course of a few months. To do so, staff was heightened and a number of adjustments were made to successfully complete the job.
Adriano says that Robbins staff takes pride in their hard work, reaching such a high standard. Robbin’s recently signed a contract with the NBA, setting out to soon be the main manufacturer for all teams’ courts in the league.
“It was an exciting challenge to do, and we’re excited to be able to provide NBA floors to teams in the future,” said Adriano. “I think that’s something our employees should have a sense of pride about.”
The next time you’re watching a professional basketball game, the court easily could have been made here in the Upper Peninsula.
“Anybody who happens to be watching that throughout the world, they may not know it, but we know that floor was made here, right in Ishpeming, Michigan,” said Adriano.
And Robbins doesn’t stop at NBA courts. The company has been contracted by multiple teams around the world, including teams in Japan, The Philippines, China, Panama, Puerto Rico, and more. Caitlin Clark’s current team in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever, have worked with the U.P. flooring company as well.
With a majority of hard maple coming from Northern Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula, Robbins is in just the right place for business.
To learn more about the works of Robbins Sports Surfaces, visit robbinsfloor.com.