| Stadium Name: | University of Worcester Arena |
| Nickname: | Worcester Arena |
| Location: | Hylton Road Worcester WR2 5JN |
| Broke Ground: | 2012 |
| Opened: | 12 April 2013 |
| Owner: | University of Worcester |
| Construction Cost: | £15 million |
| Architect: | Roberts Limbrick |
| Tenants: | Worcester Wolves (BBL) |
| Seating Capacity: | 2,000 |
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]
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]