The iconic fish at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon will be fitted with orange Taipans' jerseys as the call goes out to support the city's only national sporting team on its mission to secure the club's first title.
Having finished third on the NBL table, the CQUniversity Cairns Taipans secured their place in the NBL semi-finals and now face Sydney Kings in a best of three series to claim a spot in the championship series.
Mayor Bob Manning said it was time for Cairns to show its true colours and spread an orange hue across the city.
"Like everyone, I'll be taking a keen interest in watching the Taipans take on the Sydney Kings in a best-of-three series to decide who will go through to the grand final," Cr Manning said.
"We will be playing away for the first game on Wednesday, but the second match is going to be here in Cairns on Friday (17 February) and when the Kings touch down in Cairns, we want them to be greeted by an overwhelming show of support for the home team.
"Let's show them that we're behind our Taipans 100 per cent."
Council is distributing posters to businesses in the Cairns CBD and inviting all residents to show their support with orange decorations.
"We'd love to see every shopfront in Cairns dressed in orange," Cr Manning said.
"We'll do our bit by fitting special Taipans jerseys on the fish sculptures, and turning the lights at The Court House orange for the duration of the finals series.
"It's been a few years since we last were in the semi-finals, but I believe that with our current crop of players, we've got a real shot of that elusive first national title.
"On behalf of Council and the Cairns community, I wish the team all the best for the challenge ahead.
"Council is pleased to be able to support the team as a major sponsor and we're sure they will do us all proud on the court."
