The Basketball Arena is hosting the first competitive sport on the Olympic Park this week.Held at the brand new Basketball Arena – one of the largest temporary venues ever to be built for a Games – the tournament will see GB go head to head against five of the world’s leading basketball nations over five days of competition.
Top players from across the globe are set to make an appearance, including NBA stars Luol Deng for Great Britain and Tony Parker for France.
As well as providing the London 2012 Organising Committee with a chance to test key aspects of its operations, from competition floors and scoreboards, to accreditation and catering, the event is giving spectators a foretaste of what to expect next year. Up to 3,000 people will fill the venue on each day – becoming the first official spectators on the Park.
Debbie Jevans, Director of Sport at LOCOG said: 'Having our first test event on Olympic Park makes the Games seem even closer and excitement is building. We are looking forward to hosting our first ever tournament in the Basketball Arena and testing our operations which will include transport into Olympic Park as well as the venue operations and of course the sporting field of play.'
FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Patrick Baumann said: 'This invitational tournament will be a very interesting and competitive one, with six of the best teams in men's basketball. The Olympic Basketball Arena is a wonderful and world class venue.'
For the complete schedule and results, visit the London Prepares series website
Tickets are still available for Sunday via the Ticketmaster website
