London Lions have made their first visit to the Copper Box, the 7500-capacity arena on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which will become the club’s home this summer.
Lions players had their first taste of the venue when they were granted exclusive access to the £55 million building while it is undergoing its post-Games transition.
“It’s one thing to play in my home city but this is really playing at home,†said Orlan Jackman.
The Copper Box – which was used for handball at the Games – will be open from July 27 2013 and will be operated by GLL on behalf of owners the London Legacy Development Corporation with a full programme of events, including the British Basketball League side.
A sign will give the Lions advice on how to improve their defence (GLL)
“We are delighted to welcome basketball back to the Park in the form of London’s only professional basketball team, the London Lions,†Dennis Hone, chief executive of London Legacy Development Corporation, said.
“It was one of the most popular sports of the London 2012 Games and I’m sure will continue to be a popular sport with Londoners. The Copper Box will host at least 21 basketball games per year as well as offering a wide range of sporting opportunities for the public to use on a daily basis.”
The Lions started the current season playing in the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. And they will be partnered by the Reach & Teach Sports Network which claims to be the largest basketball club in the country, in terms of registered members.
“GLL’s legacy programme has made this happen,†Vince Macaulay, Chief Executive, London Lions said. “We have sponsorship and advertising packages that will ensure that you can engage with us at these levels whilst giving exposure to you, your product and your services even before we begin to provide fantastic entertainment for the growing number of fans out there.â€
London Lions sign veteran point guard Rod Brown, whose deal with Plymouth had expired. It marks a return to the city for the American who previously played at Crystal Palace with London Towers, as well as at Leopards.
“When it became clear that Rod and Plymouth had parted company we quickly put the wheels in motion to get him on to the team,†said Macaulay. â€We have needed additional veteran leadership and Rod will provide that in bucket loads.”
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