NBA CENTRAL COURT TO HIT SOUTH BANK
10/01/2008 The NBA announced today it will unveil the first NBA Central Court in London, an interactive fan experience featuring more than 20 basketball themed events, as a part of NBA Europe Live 2008.

The NBA announced today it will unveil the first NBA Central Court in London, an interactive fan experience featuring more than 20 basketball themed events, as a part of NBA Europe Live 2008.

NBA Central Court, which will be highlighted by a replica NBA court outside the National Theatre on London's South Bank, will run from Oct. 10-12. The weekend of free events at Central Court will lead to the soldout Oct. 12 game at the O2 Arena between the New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat.

NBA Commissioner David Stern and local dignitaries will officially tip off Central Court on Friday, Oct. 10 to welcome basketball fans throughout London.

The schedule of free basketball events at the National Theatre will include the 'You vs. the EA Sports Crew' skills challenge, with the Heat's Dwyane Wade and Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent going head-to-head against fans in a unique basketball, football, video game competition with games FIFA 09 and NBA LIVE 09. Additionally, fans will also have the chance to take part in shooting contests, interact with the New Jersey Nets mascot, "Sly", cheer on Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA teams, dance-off with the Miami Heat Dance Team and see some of their favorite NBA players and Legends.

NBA Central Court will also serve as a stage for the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Team, who recently won the Olympic bronze medal in Beijing, as they lead a clinic for wheelchair-bound players. Members of British Basketball's Women's Senior National Team will host an instruction clinic with local Jr. WNBA players. England Basketball will also have a presence at NBA Central Court, distributing information detailing where aspiring players can receive basketball instruction and participate in organized games.

"We are excited to bring more events to London during NBA Europe Live," said Sophie Goldschmidt, Vice President NBA Europe. "Central Court will give fans of all ages the opportunity to get up close to the NBA, see some of their favourite players and participate in basketball instruction."

THE NATIONAL THEATRE IS LOCATED AT 'A' ON THE MAP BELOW -


View Larger Map