Leicester Riders to Host Second European Pre-Season Tournament

By Sam Neter on July 26, 2016

The Leicester Riders have announced that they will take on Rio Natura Monbus and Crelan Okapi Aalstar in the ‘R3 Tournament’ at the Leicester Sports Arena on September 9th-11th in preparation for the BBL season.

The Leicester Riders will continue preparations for not only the BBL season but a potential move to European competition next year. It is the second time in recent years the Riders have held a pre-season tournament with European sides, with it debuting in 2014.

The three day R3 Tournament will feature Rio Natura Monbus (Obradoiro CAB) travelling from the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB) and Crelan Okapi Aalstar, playoff runners up and former winners of the top professional league in Belgium.

Rio Natura Monbus is renowned for its excellent coaching staff and well structured team competing in what is widely regarded as one of the best leagues in the world after the NBA. Obradoiro CAB staff and professional team have visited once before to take part in the Riders preseason making this their second visit to the UK but their debut in the recently opened Leicester Sports Arena.

Crelan Okapi Aalstar own a very positive record in recent years, last season finishing third in the premier league in Belgium and progressing to the playoff final in their country. Also visiting once before, Crelan Okapi Aalstar have undergone wholesale changes to their roster and coaching staff and will feature a very new team as they make their debut to the Leicester Sports Arena in September.

Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston is pleased to welcome to the two clubs back to Leicester in preseason.

“We are all excited to host two such high level basketball clubs as part of the Leicester Riders preseason.

“We have a real bond with both of the clubs, having had them both visit Loughborough whilst the club was based there, and we are thrilled to be able welcome them to the Leicester Sports Arena in September to showcase such a great level of basketball.

“The opportunity to host such a tournament will really allow for great on-court preparation for our players and coaching staff as well as amazing entertainment for our fans in preseason.”

Tournament Schedule

(all games at Leicester Sports Arena)
Friday 9th September
7.45pm: Leicester Riders vs Rio Natura Monbus

Saturday 10th September
5pm: Rio Natura Monbus vs Crelan Okapi Aalstar

Sunday 11th September
4pm: Leicester Riders vs Crelan Okapi Aalstar

R3 Tournament tickets are available to buy now at www.leicesterriders.co.uk/schedule for the advanced price of £10 for adults and £5 for children with family tickets starting at £27.

Three-day Tournament passes are available for £25 for adults and £12.50 for children by calling 01162558635.

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