Work begins on new nest for the Eagles
BOOST FOR BASKETBALL WITH BIG STADIUM
Reporter NEWCASTLE Eagles’ new purposebuilt arena will be “life-changing” for the club and the community.
Work has begun on a 2,800-seat stadium off Scotswood Road in Elswick.
Player/coach Fab Flournoy hailed its potential to make a difference on and off the court.
The Cruddas Park site will soon provide a facility for use by schools and junior clubs, not just for basketball.
Flournoy said: “It’s a life-changing moment here. For the sport, for myself, for the club and for the community.
“Having our own purpose-built venue is just going to change everything we do and how we do it.
“It’s going to bring everything in house. We will be able to tap into grassroots sport and we’ll be able to impact the community more.”
The Eagles legend also hailed its potential for hosting tournaments and events, as well as allowing the club to compete in European competition.
Flournoy’s side, who are currently top of the British Basketball League, have rented Northumbria University’s Sport Central since 2010. They hope to move into their new home in October 2018. Newcastle Eagles owner Paul Blake said it was a “massive day”. He added: “From a club perspective this is all about being able to kick on and stay competitive. “But it’s actually an Eagles Community Foundation building primarily. “It’s not just a basketball arena and is going to be open seven days a week. “It’s an opportunity for the community to get involved as well as new jobs, training and education not just in sport.” Unanimous planning approval was granted for the arena last year. In partnership with Newcastle College, students will have access and the new facility will create jobs in a range of sectors including catering, coaching and facility management. Fab Flournoy Newcastle City Council deputy leader Joyce McCarty said: “We’ve been trying to support the Eagles in pulling this together for many years.
“I think today is a really important next step.
“It will take about a year to build, but what a fantastic site this will be.
“It’s all about getting people of all ages involved in activity, which is really key to what we need in the city.”