The University of Worcester Arena, commonly referred to as Worcester Arena, is a multi-purpose sports venue and events arena in Worcester, England. The 2,000-seat capacity venue opened in April 2013 and is the home arena of Worcester Wolves basketball team, whilst also being a national centre of excellence for disability sports.[1]
Worcester Arena | |
 | |
 | |
| Location | Hylton Road Worcester WR2 5JN |
|---|---|
| Owner | University of Worcester |
| Capacity | 2,000 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 2012 |
| Opened | 12 April 2013 |
| Construction cost | £15 million |
| Architect | Roberts Limbrick |
| Tenants | |
| Worcester Wolves (BBL) | |
Plans for the construction of a new sports arena were first unveiled in January 2010 after the University of Worcester had purchased land on Hylton Road used previously as a fruit and vegetable market.[2] Initial reports indicated the capacity of the new venue would seat 1,500 people, cost £10 million and would be due to open in the Spring of 2012.[3]
Willmott Dixon was appointed as the project's developer, working alongside architect Roberts Limbrick.[4][5] Construction of the sports arena started in early 2012 and was due to be completed by January 2013[6] but several delays during construction meant that the opening of arena was setback until April 2013.[7]
The University of Worcester officially announced the opening of the new sports arena on 12 April 2013, completed at a cost of £15 million.[8] The first event to be staged at the arena was the 2013 Netball Superleague Grand Final which saw Team Bath defeat Celtic Dragons 62-56. 1,509 spectators attended the inaugural event, which was heralded as a resounding success by local media.[9]
Worcester Wolves made their first official appearance at their new home on 4 October, marking the occasion with a 73–61 victory over the reigning British Basketball League champions Leicester Riders.[10]
References edit
- ^ "University of Worcester Takes Ownership of New Multi-Million Pound Sports Arena". University of Worcester.
- ^ "Sports centre plans for former market in Worcester". BBC News.
- ^ "New Worcester sports arena plans unveiled". BBC News.
- ^ "Worcester Arena appoints builder for April start". Stadia Magazine.
- ^ "Willmott takes stage on £10m Worcester Arena". Construction Enquirer. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ "New year start for £15m sports arena". Worcester News.
- ^ "Worcester Wolves hit by delays to Worcester Arena". Worcester News.
- ^ "University of Worcester officially handed £15m sports arena". BBC News.
- ^ "Worcester Arena gets thumbs up after first big event". Worcester News.
- ^ "Worcester Wolves 73–61 Leicester Riders". WorcesterWolves.org.