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CHAMPIONSHIPS HEAD NORTH |
30/12/06
The British Basketball League (BBL) and MetroRadio Arena Newcastle are delighted to announce that the Basketball Finals Weekend 2006/07 is to be staged in the North-East for the first time in the competition’s history.
The event is the culmination of the BBL Championship Playoffs, and also incorporates the England Basketball Men’s and Women’s Division One Playoff finals. It is the biggest event in the basketball season and sees some of the UK’s top teams competing for the ultimate accolade.
After a number of applications to host the event were considered, the MetroRadio Arena and Newcastle/Gateshead Initiative prevailed with the successful bid.
The British Basketball League’s Vice-Chairman, Sarah Backovic, commented, “We are embarking on a new era in British basketball and are pleased to be taking the Finals Weekend to a new venue.
"This is the first year of a new format which will see this competition travel around the UK giving city’s the opportunity to bid to host this prestigious event. This year, we are delighted to be able to take the show to the metroradio Arena which has a tradition of providing great support for basketball”.
Arena manager Colin Revel added, “The MetroRadio Arena is delighted to welcome and support the most prestigious event in the British basketball calendar. Our thanks go to Andrew Dixon and his staff at the Newcastle/Gateshead Initiative for the positive support in helping to attract this major event to the North East”.
The finals weekend will take place over the weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April 2007. The BBL Championship Playoff semi-finals are contested on the Saturday with the winners progressing to Sunday’s which will also include a 3rd v 4th place playoff game. Announcements regarding off court activities that will take place for fans over the Finals Weekend will be made in due course.
Tickets are on sale now through the MetroRadio Arena box office on 0870 707 8000 or online via www.metroradioarena.co.uk (follow the Ticketmaster link). Specially negotiated weekend Hotel Accommodation Packages are available via the BBL Webshop (www.bblshop.org.uk) or by calling 0870 445 0606.