FREE Family Fun At Eston This Sunday with Americans Visit (From The Northern Echo)

FREE Family Fun At Eston This Sunday with Americans Visit

2:02pm Tuesday 31st August 2010 in Game Time

This Sunday everyone is invited for a feast of excitement, entertainment and adrenalin filled family fun as TADEA Middlesbrough Lions Basketball Club host American visitors; Menwith Hill Cavaliers.

The event takes place at Eston Sports Academy and people are asked to be seated for 3.30pm. Best of all its FREE entry and the club are encouraging donations on the day in aid of the ICU at James Cook University Hospital. All you have to do is collect your tickets in advance from a number of collection points including:

Eston Sports Academy Middlesbrough
TADEA, Belasis Business Park Billingham
Tavistock Italia, Marton Rd Middlesbrough

For a full list or more details, please visit www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk Many people are unaware of the superb facilities at Eston. It is actually regarded as one of the best basketball arenas in the UK by American superstar Ralph Bucci. The venue has a 1,200 capacity and the TADEA Lions match day experience featuring music, lights, sound effects and half time competitions for adults and children is among the best in the country.

At Half time adults have chance to take part in the Half Court shot to win £100 and children can take part in the ‘Kids Kit Dash’ to win prizes.

As part of the ‘PRE Season is FREE Season’ promotion the club have two of the four games left to play with a tough test against the Americans this Sunday and rounding up against Harrogate Raiders the following Saturday. By keeping hold of your ticket you can see both games free of charge.

Another bonus for the Teesside public has been the participation of American superstar Ralph Bucci. Bucci, from New York is regarded as one of the best players to play in British basketball and has spent the last 7 years playing professionally in Greece, most recently winning the A2 Championship with Iraklis.

In what is a rare opportunity to witness a genuine superstar in action, Bucci has agreed to play in TADEA Middlesbrough Lions games whilst in the country. Bucci is a good friend of Lions owner; James Thomson and has a wife and 1 year old son from Middlesbrough. “When James asked me to be part of this event and help raise the profile of basketball and Lions as well as money for such a worthy cause, I was happy to be involved.” Added the 33 year old.

Last week saw Lions lose by just 5pts to a team three divisions higher in Derbyshire Arrows despite an heroic display from Bucci who hit 44pts, 19 rebounds & 8 assists. Lions Chief Thomson said “Having Ralph play is a real treat not just for the fans but for both teams also. The Derby coach remarked he saw Ralph play 10 years ago and he is still his favourite player!”

Would you like to be a mascot?

TADEA Middlesbrough Lions are on the look out for children under 12 who would like to be a mascot for the event. You will get the chance to hold hands with the players and run out as they are introduced, making the day even more special. For more details or to register your interest please contact the club on number below.

For more information, please call 01642 814221 or visit www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk