Euroleague Basketball was proud to have Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, join in the presentation of two major additions to festivities to be held during Final Four weekend: a unique and expansive Fan Zone that will make basketball a centerpiece at one of London’s signature attractions, Trafalgar Square, with three days’ worth of activities free to the public; and the organization of activities under the One Team corporate social responsibility programme that will continue Euroleague Basketball’s grass-roots work in the UK well after the Final Four is over.
The 2013 Turkish Airlines Final Four will be played at The O2 in London from May 10 to 12, marking the first time that an international club basketball champion will be crowned in the United Kingdom.
“London is proud to be hosting the prestigious Euroleague Final Four, another testimony to this city’s status as a top flight venue for elite fixtures,” Mr. Johnson said. “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. Last year’s Olympic and Paralympics Games has already given basketball a bounce in popularity from professional to grassroots level.”
Mr. Johnson received his own copy of the official game ball for the Final Four, the new Euroleague Basketball UNITE ball by Spalding, and put it to good use by taking – and making – a couple of shots on a basket set up in front of the London Bridge.
Mr. Johnson was joined at the event by AEG Europe COO Alex Hill and Euroleague Basketball President and CEO Jordi Bertomeu, who announced that the league’s signature One Team corporate responsibility programme is preparing some special partnerships to create long-lasting ties with the UK.
“Euroleague Basketball has a long-term vision in the UK beyond this year’s Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four and initiatives like our One Team programme demonstrate the positive impact sport can have on local communities and grass-root development,” Mr. Bertomeu said.
Among the other special guests was Team Britain player and former Final Four participant Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who assured his fellow Londoners that they are in for a great time when the Final Four comes to town.
“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,” Mr. Mensah-Bonsu said. “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.”
Barcelona, April 30, 2013. One of London’s most iconic locations will become a basketball paradise as never seen before in Europe as the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone fills more than 2,000 square meters of Trafalgar Square with activities throughout Final Four weekend from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12.
With the generous help of the City of London, fans visiting the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four will find non-stop entertainment in the Fan Zone thanks to a jam-packed schedule of events put together by Euroleague Basketball and its sponsors.
The Fan Zone will feature the weather-proof Turkish Airlines Main Court, two full courts complete with a 15-meter-high roof, in the middle of the square. The Turkish Airlines Main Court will be the main venue for games, contests and other activities. It will also host appearances by legends, rising stars and cheerleaders, among others.
At the same time, the VTB Satellite Courts will feature 10 baskets to be used for activities like three-point competitions and on-site coaching instruction and basketball skills tips for both children and adults.
When not watching shows or playing basketball themselves, fans can fill up on fun at the EFES Sports Bar and Dance Stage, a place to meet friends, relax and even learn dance moves from the best cheerleading teams in Europe!
To get close as possible to the Final Four spirit, fans will want to visit the Intersport Trophy Tour and Merchandise story to buy official team and event gear while getting a picture with the official champions trophy, to be awarded to this season’s Turkish Airlines Euroleague winners after the title game on Sunday night!
Many more special appearances and programs are scheduled, so be sure to stay tuned for announcements and a detailed schedule of events. To let fans spend the entire afternoon, food and refreshments will be available throughout the weekend. The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone will be open to the general publish on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00 local time.