The new ú6 million SkyDome Arena in Coventry today officially became the home of English basketball. The English Basketball Association has agreed a contract with the new managers of the 4,000-seat indoor arena and will play internationals against the Slovak Republic and Latvia in the city in November. The Arena will also host games involving the England women, cadet and junior sections of the EBBA. The deal was announced today, on the day England take on Croatia at the NEC, Birmingham. Ian Mollard, director of international teams for the EBBA, said the Arena provided the perfect venue for basketball internationals and added that the arrangement to host games at SkyDome was “open ended”. He said: “Coventry is a perfectly central location and the size and set-up of the Arena are ideal for basketball. We would love to fill bigger venues but the sport is not at that stage yet and we are very excited about selling out internationals at SkyDome. “Players and officials have been to Coventry to look at what the Arena has to offer and we all think this is a very exciting move for everyone concerned. We have been hosting matches around the country but it will be great to have a permanent home in such a new, state-of-the-art arena. “We are in the European semi-finals which gives us another three top-draw international home games over the next 12 months. They will be played at Coventry. “The intention is that basketball will be included in the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and we are hoping to hold a international showcase tournament before the 2002 games. That would take place in Coventry.” The news is a massive coup for the Arena, which is set to become a top national entertainment and sports venue as well as an ice-rink. Arena manager Simon Burnett said: “We have been talking with the EBBA for a while but everything is now agreed and we are very excited about hosting top international sport. “Basketball is very much a growing sport and we are sure we will provide the ideal base to help it prosper. “The Arena has been designed for a range of events but with the customer totally in mind. Technologically it is the most up-to-date in the country and will breath fresh life into entertainment across this region.” The news of the Arena’s deal with the EBBA’s deal was warmly welcomed by Coventry City Council. Councillor John Fletcher, leader of Coventry City Council, said: “This is more great news for the city. Coventry has already felt the all-round benefits of the opening of the SkyDome complex with around 250,000 visitors passing through its doors in the last three months, and this announcement will only add to the growing reputation of the city.” Further details from Mark Hannen on 0113 236 1020