Caledonia Gladiators and B. Braun Sheffield Sharks will start new basketball dynasties in their respective cities following the grand opening of their new purpose-built arenas.
Caledonia Gladiators, Scotland’s only professional basketball club, have moved into their temporary 1,800-seater arena based at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride.
With the first phase of the arena renovation now complete, attention will turn towards 2024, when the main project will commence to develop a new state-of-the-art, purpose-built 6,000-seater arena and community facility, which is scheduled to be finished in 2026.
The news comes as excitement builds for the Gladiators’ first home game of the Championship season against the Surrey Scorchers, which will be shown live tonight (Thursday, October 5) on Sky Sports at 7:30 pm. The Women’s side will host Durham Palatinates for their first home match-up on October 22 in the Women’s British Basketball League.
In addition, the PlaySport Arena will welcome European action as both the Men’s and Women’s sides gear up for their first-ever campaign in the FIBA Europe Cup. The move into a purpose-built arena will transform basketball in Scotland for a generation whilst also commercially growing the sport north of the border.
Also heralding the beginning of an exciting transformation is the Sheffield Sharks, who have officially moved into their new state-of-the-art home at the Canon Medical Arena, based at the heart of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
The cutting-edge facility, which can accommodate 2,500 spectators, will also be used by the Women’s British Basketball League team B. Braun Sheffield Hatters, as well as other sporting, educational, and community organisations.
Developed by Canon Medical Systems, the new Park Community Arena opens as the UK’s first sustainable, carbon-neutral multi-purpose arena featuring an integrated Medical Diagnostic Centre to bring healthcare closer to the community in South Yorkshire. This is alongside the Sharks continuing to provide the very best basketball entertainment as they look to build on the legacy they have already created in the British game.
The opening ceremonies for the respective new arenas represent another exciting landmark in the League’s rapid growth, elevating the long-term success of British basketball. This news provides clubs with commercial benefits and ensures they can remain at the heart of their communities whilst also providing the finest basketball facilities in Europe to captivate spectators of all ages with an unforgettable fan experience
The British Basketball League’s Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Radin, said:
“This exciting news for B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and Caledonia Gladiators is another key step in the growth of our League as we look to provide the best facilities for our fans and partners. I know fans will be extremely impressed with the two arenas, and they provide the clubs the opportunity to grow the game even further in their respective local communities.
“Alongside this, it allows for the commercial growth of the game in the UK, which is pivotal to achieving our long-term goals. I look forward to the fans’ reactions and experiencing the atmospheres as both teams make their mark in their new homes.”
2023/24 British Basketball League games are available to watch every week across Sky Sports, Sky Sports YouTube, NOW and on the British Basketball League YouTube channel.