The Antrim Forum will host two high quality games in August 2008, playing under the auspices of the Emerald Hoops programme. Notre Dame University will play an Ireland All Star team on Sunday 17th August and then the Polish National team on Monday 18th.

Debbie Massey Chief Executive of Basketball Ireland commented, “We are developing Emerald Hoops as an important element of our portfolio of activity. It is our intention to bring top flight American Collegiate teams to Ireland every year to compete against each other and to promote the sport. This year we have been lucky to secure the services of Notre Dame and to provide them with the top level opposition of the Polish National team. We are delighted with the welcome and assistance we have received especially from the Councillors and Officials at Antrim Borough Council.”

The games to be played are potentially the highest quality since Real Madrid visited Belfast in the sixties to play a European Cup match and will do much to promote the game in Northern Ireland. The Antrim Forum is no stranger to promoting international sport having hosted virtually everything from Athletics, Table Tennis, Gynnastics, Squash, Soccer, Hockey and much more. It also hosted a number of exhibition Basketball games during the seventies and eighties and is of course home to one of the most successful wheelchair teams in the British Isles—The Knights.

Eamonn Brennan, Chair of Basketball NI said: “We are delighted to be able assist in this promotion as it will give the sport locally a huge shot in the arm both short  and long term. It is also superb from our point of view to be able to show case an excellent facility such as the Antrim Forum”

Ticket outlets will be announced shortly as will full detail about the players participating. Enquiries regarding tickets can be made initially through reception at Antrim Forum 02894464131, and at www.emeraldhoops.com.