Basketball Arena

Basketball Arena London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The London Basketball Arena was a landmark of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, representing a pioneering approach to temporary sports architecture and sustainability. Though dismantled after fulfilling its Olympic role, its legacy endures through the innovative design principles it embodied and the thriving Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that now occupies its former site. This comprehensive guide explores the arena’s history, architectural significance, visitor information for the Olympic Park today, and tips for experiencing London’s basketball heritage at modern venues like the Copper Box Arena and The O2 Arena.

Historical Development of the London Basketball Arena
Architectural Highlights and Design Features
Visiting the London Basketball Arena Today
Basketball in London Today: Copper Box Arena and The O2 Arena
- The Copper Box Arena
- The O2 Arena
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
References

Historical Development of the London Basketball Arena

The London Basketball Arena was conceived to meet the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) mandate for a fast, environmentally responsible, and temporary venue for the 2012 Games. Appointed in November 2007, the design team—WilkinsonEyre, KSS Architects, and Sinclair Knight Merz—developed a modular, lightweight structure that could be rapidly assembled and later dismantled with minimal environmental impact (WilkinsonEyre; Architects’ Journal).

Construction began in October 2009 and was completed by June 2011, setting a record for speed and efficiency among Olympic venues (BBC Sport). The arena hosted basketball and handball events during the Olympics, as well as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby during the Paralympics, accommodating up to 12,000 spectators (Jidipi).

After the Games, the arena was dismantled as planned, with over two-thirds of its materials recycled or reused, exemplifying the sustainability goals of the London Olympics (Colliers News).

Architectural Highlights and Design Features

A Temporary Yet Striking Structure

The arena set new standards for temporary stadium design by utilizing a lightweight steel portal frame instead of heavy concrete. The frame spanned 115 meters in length and reached heights of up to 30 meters, providing a dramatic presence in the Olympic Park (AJ Buildings Library). The structure was clad in 20,000 square meters of recyclable white PVC membrane, whose pleated, scalloped form was inspired by the movement of basketballs. The membrane stopped above ground level, creating a sheltered public walkway underneath (Architects’ Journal).

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability was central to the arena’s concept. The steel frame, modular seating, and PVC cladding were designed for reuse or recycling. The arena’s entire construction process—from rapid assembly to efficient dismantling—demonstrated a commitment to minimizing waste and environmental impact (WilkinsonEyre; Architectuul).

Visual and Experiential Impact

The iconic white PVC façade served as a canvas for dynamic lighting displays, including the Olympic rings, thanks to a collaboration with United Visual Artists. This created the largest light installation in the Olympic Park during the Games (Jidipi). Inside, steeply raked stands ensured excellent views for all spectators, with seating in signature basketball orange and black.

Awards and Recognition

The Basketball Arena received accolades for its design and sustainable approach, including the ODA Health, Safety and Environmental Management Awards (2010) and the Westminster Society Biennial Award (2013) for urban vitality (WilkinsonEyre).

Visiting the London Basketball Arena Today

Can You Visit the Arena?

The original Basketball Arena was dismantled after the 2012 Games. However, the site is now part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is freely accessible and offers a range of attractions and guided tours celebrating London’s Olympic legacy (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is open daily, typically from 7 AM until dusk, with free public entry. Check the official website for the latest opening times and information on special events or guided tours.

How to Get There

The park is easily reached via public transport. Stratford Station (served by Underground, Overground, DLR, and National Rail) is the main entry point. From there, the Olympic Park and former arena site are a short walk away (The Talking Suitcase).

Tips for Visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Plan Ahead: Check Transport for London for service updates and journey planning.
Family-Friendly: Enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and interactive exhibits.
Guided Tours: Available via multiple providers, offering insights into the park’s history and architecture.
Accessibility: The park is fully accessible, with step-free routes and accessible facilities.

Nearby London Historical Sites

Combine your visit with trips to:

The Tower of London
Greenwich (Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum)
The Museum of London

Basketball in London Today: Copper Box Arena and The O2 Arena

The Copper Box Arena

Originally the Handball Arena for the 2012 Olympics, the Copper Box Arena is now a vibrant hub for basketball and other sports. It is home to the London Lions basketball team and offers community sports programs, open court sessions, and major events. The arena is fully accessible and located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Copper Box Arena Official Website; London Lions).

Visitor Information:

Opening Hours: Vary by event; check official site before visiting.
Tickets: Required for major events and can be purchased online.
Access: Step-free, wheelchair friendly, and convenient to Stratford Station.

The O2 Arena

The O2 Arena, on the Greenwich Peninsula, is London’s premier venue for major basketball events, including the 2025 Super League Basketball Play-Off Finals (The O2 Arena). With a capacity of up to 20,000, it offers world-class facilities, numerous dining options, and easy access via North Greenwich station.

Visitor Information:

Visiting Hours: Generally opens 90 minutes before event start; check event listings.
Tickets: Sold digitally via the O2’s website and app.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with step-free routes, accessible seating, and assistance available.
Nearby Attractions: Emirates Air Line cable car, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, and central London sites (My Sports Tourist; Visit Greenwich).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the London Basketball Arena today?
A: No, it was dismantled after the 2012 Games. The site is now part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Q: Are there guided tours of the Olympic Park?
A: Yes, guided tours are available and include the former arena site and other Olympic landmarks.

Q: Are tickets required to visit the Olympic Park?
A: Entry to the park is free, but tickets are required for special events or venue access.

Q: What are the best basketball venues in London today?
A: The Copper Box Arena and The O2 Arena are the city’s leading basketball venues.

Q: What historical sites are near these venues?
A: The Tower of London, Greenwich’s maritime attractions, and the Museum of London are close by.

Summary and Final Tips

The London Basketball Arena was a trailblazer for sustainable, temporary event architecture, avoiding the legacy challenges of underused Olympic venues. Its spirit lives on in the accessible, lively Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where visitors can enjoy public spaces, sporting events, and cultural attractions. For live basketball, the Copper Box Arena and The O2 Arena continue the city’s Olympic legacy, hosting top teams and major events (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; Copper Box Arena Official Website; The O2 Arena).