For Nike, it has already been a pretty big year in terms of basketball in the UK. The 3 on 3 tournament overlooking the Thames, the World Basketball Festival in Brixton…these are events that people will be talking about for a long time. However, they may have just trumped all of that with the unveiling of ‘The Regal’ – the renovation of a purpose built basketball court in London at the Black Prince Community Hub, that will be free to use.
Via Nike:
The dramatic transformation of this dedicated indoor basketball court is set to inspire and encourage basketball players from an elite level through to novices and new-comers at local schools and community clubs.
As part of the World Basketball Festival celebrations in Brixton, on 30th June, Nike wanted to leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Lambeth, but with a very distinctive and inspiring twist.
The Regal, so named to signify its ambition to become the hub of British Basketball, is not only one of the most high-spec showcase courts in the UK, but also one of the most eye-catching. Unrecognisable following its overhaul, the brand-new Junckers press dried Beech floor is finished in distinctive black oil with HP Sport lacquer over the top and highlighted with basketball-only line markings and ‘The Regal’ brand identity in gold.
At either end of the court hang the only gold plated hoops and smoked glass backboards in the UK. The court is also one of very few in the UK with integrated red LED lights that are linked to the scoreboard and shot clocks – as seen at professional basketball games.
The surrounding walls feature bespoke designed flock effect wallpaper with a subtle basketball motif, alongside a prominent motivational quote from Britain’s most successful basketball export, Luol Deng. The finishing touches include a display of ten unique basketball jerseys celebrating British and international heroes of the game as well as four practice backboards around the court.
Offering ‘roll away’ seating for 160 spectators, the space has been designed as a dedicated basketball centre with the objective to grow the game in London and the UK. The renovation is just the first step – creating an impressive location to generate excitement and enthusiasm.
However, to truly grow the game Nike has also invested in the appointment of a lead basketball coach to develop a year long programme of free-to-access clinics, events and training sessions for schools, clubs and the community. Junior Williams, himself a former England and Great Britain international, will shape the agenda and manage the facility.
Simon Charlesworth, brand lead for basketball Nike UK & Ireland said:
“We want to grow the game and what better way to do so than with an inspirational facility that is centrally located, undercover and most importantly that provides free access to London ballers.”
For more information about The Regal, the programme of events and how to apply for free access, please visit www.regalbasketball.com
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Iwish I lived in London… That is AMAZING!
Finally something that actually inspires confidence in the word ‘legacy’
Real talk. With that single move you can argue Nike have done more for the Olympic “legacy” than GB have…
argue is the wrong word Sam. With that single move you can state categorically that Nike have done more for the Olympic legacy than GB have or will. It’s the fact that you are saying it will be FREE to use that is the major factor. How are they maintaining the running costs? Does Junior have a job for life or is it all going to change after the ‘year long programme of activities’ do you think? Still like I said, incredible.
Let’s not get too caught up in how amazing it looks tho because, seriously, a hoop made of gold and a black shiny floor still have the same dimensions as any other. If players are going to get to play for FREE and for longer than they have been able to before then THAT and not the off the chart sexiness of this court is the important thing here.
Great news,
I have heard there is a real lack of opportunities in London to play basketball, not like in the other towns around the UK that are brimming with courts and teams ;P
I find it unreal that people still find a way to complain and be negative about this.
People will always find something to moan about and never see the good Sam! Looks sick though..
Sam, do you know if this is the first of many courts that Nike have planned or is The Regal a one off?
For now, I’m pretty sure this is the only one. Who knows what could happen in the future though.
Keep it free – as the poorest are motivated to become the best and basketball for London kids is a great opportunity to escape to a new life!
Nike built one of these in New York, at Masaryk Towers. (google it).
This is really nice, an amazing facility. But it’s not going to be that accessible to members of the public. The one in New York is invite only. No way are they going to let random ballers off the streets walk in and play pick up ball at such an amazing facility. It’s going to be limited to the junior programmes Junior Williams runs and players in the know who are invited.
This is really really nice, just don’t think you are going to be able to walk in there everyday and play.
Yeah, notice Sam said how to ‘apply for free access’. I think there is going to be a pretty small circle or people who actually get access to this place.
Not hating, just not trying to get peoples hopes up. This isn’t going to be an all access basketball facility.
Sunday 12-2pm is the Open Run so fair point @twopointgeezer. Not gonna make things worse but the devil is in the details as to how much impact it can have. Every Little Helps tho
Every little does help. But this just seems unnecessary.
How much did this facility cost?
How much will this facility cost to maintain?
How much are they paying Junior Williams to run this facility?
I’d rather they spend all that money on building a basic venue(s) that members of the public can access all day every day.
As I see it Nike have spent all this money on one luxury venue with very limited access when they could have spent the money more accessible cheaper to run facilities.
What the UK really needs is outdoor public courts WITH SHELTERS. That way people can play 24/7 in all weather.
Will this be home to any london based teams? I hope so.
So Sunday from 12-2 is the only time you can go play pick up??
That’s the only time there is a designated open run like that – you can ring up at other times and speak to Junior to find out about availability. As far as my understanding of it goes, private organisations/businesses have to pay, but for the youth it is free.
Ahh cheers for clearing that up. I may have to go check it out sometime then…. despite the fact id get schooled by the London lads ;)
still dont make no difference. (ijs) british hoopers don’t have no killer instincts cuz in their society they call it (Looking like a prick.) I believe the word is. Lol… Brits trying to compete w us Americans is like us tryna compete w y’all in Cricket… YALL TRUE NATIONALM SPORT! looool
Looks like some of the money will come from a share of £800,000 worth of sports grants announced by the London Mayor’s Office:
https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/london-2012/mayors-sport-legacy-projects
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