The Bellingham Slam announced its schedule for the 2013 International Basketball League season Wednesday, March 20. The season, which will be the Slam's eighth and its sixth as a member of the IBL, begins in mid-April and will feature 10 regular season home games.

The Slam will begin their defense of the 2012 IBL Championship at home on April 19 as they host the Vancouver Volcanoes, a team that has emerged as Bellingham's chief rival after the two teams have eliminated each other in the playoffs the last two seasons.

In addition to their slate of contests at Whatcom Pavilion, the Slam will also play two home games in greater Whatcom County. On May 17, the Slam will host a game at Lynden High School and on June 1 they will return to head coach Rob Ridnour's familiar home court at Blaine High School.

The Slam's slate of home games features an impressive assortment of opponents making their way to Whatcom County, with teams from Texas, California and Japan scheduled to make visits.

Also, for the sixth consecutive season, the Slam will host an afternoon game on Memorial Day, May 27, as they face the Portland Chinooks in a rematch of the 2012 IBL Championship game.

For more information, contact the Slam at 360-734-SLAM or visit their Website at www.bellinghamslam.com.

2013 Bellingham Slam regular season schedule

April 19 vs. VANCOUVER 7:00pm

April 21 at Vancouver 5:00pm

April 26 vs. KITSAP COUNTY 7:00pm

May 3 at Portland 7:00pm

May 4 at Salem 7:00pm

May 10 vs. JAPAN 7:00pm

May 17 vs. JAPAN* 7:00pm

May 19 vs. HOUSTON 5:00pm

May 24 at Salem 7:00pm

May 27 vs. PORTLAND 5:00pm

June 1 vs. SEATTLE^ 7:00pm

June 2 at Kitsap County 5:00pm

June 9 vs. OAKLAND 5:00pm

June 11 at Portland 7:00pm

June 16 at Japan 5:00pm

June 21 vs. VANCOUVER 7:00pm

June 22 at Oakland 7:00pm

June 29 vs. SALEM 7:00pm

June 30 at Seattle 5 p.m.

All times Pacific

(Home games listed in caps)

*May 17 home game played at Lynden High School

^June 1 home game played at Blaine High School

All other home games played at Whatcom Pavilion at Whatcom C.C.