Euroleague Reveals Plans for Trafalgar Square Fan Zone During Final Four

By Sam Neter on April 8, 2013

The Euroleague has announced details of a fan zone to be held in Trafalgar Square during the Euroleague Final Four in London next month.

The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone is a free fan festival expected to attract over 50,000 visitors a day throughout the three days of Final Four competition (May 10th to 12th). and will include a basketball court in the middle of the square, 3 on 3 competitions, dunk contests, cheerleaders and merchandise.

Additionally, there will also be the ‘One Team’ initiative; a grassroots and community-led programme that aims to leave a lasting basketball legacy in the UK. The corporate social responsibility programme will aim to involve local communities in life skill sessions built and developed around participation in sport.

Fifteen Euroleague teams are participating in the ‘One Team’ programme, delivering weekly sessions to local community groups covering various topics such as disability, substance abuse, gender inequality and community cohesion.

The announcement was made on Monday morning with the full backing of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, outside City Hall as he tried his hand at hoops with GB star Pops Mensah-Bonsu, and England Under-18s Kingsley Okoroh and Luke Nelson.

“London is proud to be hosting the prestigious Euroleague finals, another testimony to this city’s status as a top flight venue for elite fixtures. I am also pleased to welcome the free Fan Zone to Trafalgar Square giving everyone the chance to have a go at this great sport,” Boris Johnson said.

Mensah-Bonsu added: “The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four is the biggest basketball event outside of the NBA Finals and the commitment by Euroleague confirms London as an up-and-coming city in basketball terms – I have no doubt the local support will be huge, much like when I played in the Paris Final Four event.

“I look forward to heading down to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone in Trafalgar Square to shoot-some-hoops with the kids and share the love we all have for this sport.”

Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone activity will include:

Turkish Airlines Central Court (weather-proof, 15 metre high roof)

Turkish Airlines 3-on-3: Fans will be able to compete to be the 2013 Fan Champions.
EFES Cheerleaders: The best cheerleaders in Europe will perform on several occasions and teaching dance lessons from the opening on Friday to the closure on Sunday.
Turkish Airlines Slam Dunk Contests: Final stages of the Turkish Airlines Slam Dunk Contest
Nike International Junior Tournament 3-point shooting and Dunk contest: A selection of top young athletes from the participating teams of the Nike International Junior Tournament, including Team England, will join the fans in the Three-Point and Slam Dunk contest.
Turkish Airlines Skills demonstration: Professional coaches will organise a thrills and drills session to teach basketball fans the true fundamentals of the game.
One Team Community Program & BBL: Euroleague Basketball and the BBL will join forces to promote the power of basketball as a tool to integrate communities within the UK
Special Olympics vs UEFA/Euroleague Legends: Special Olympics athletes and legends from UEFA and Euroleague Basketball will team up for an exhibition game to raise the awareness of Special Olympics and fight for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

VTB Arena Satellite Courts

VTB Three-Point Contest: fans will have the opportunity to compete for becoming London’s King of Threes
Turkish Airlines Slam Dunk Contests, to bring excitement and awesomeness to London’s heart. Players will demonstrate their high-flying skills at the Turkish Airlines Main Court.

VTB Arena Just Hoops Area

A space where 10 hoops are setup to either play freely or be taught by some of our coaches on basketball fundamentals (shooting, passing, dribbling…)

Intersport Trophy Tour & Official Merchandise

As part of the Intersport Trophy Tour, Intersport will be taking the Euroleague Champion’s Trophy to Trafalgar Square, providing fans with the unique opportunity of getting right up close to it and taking a picture with it. Intersport will also be offering the official merchandise of the event to all basketball fans.

Food and drink will be available in the square all day long as well as other activities to be confirmed. Sounds sick!

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