BASKETBALL might be a whole new ball game at the Lucozade Powerleague Trafford Soccerdome – but venue manager Guy Atkinson can't wait to get started after teaming up with Manchester Giants.

The Giants have finalised a five-year agreement to play their BBL home games at the new facility at the venue – starting with an exciting pre-season fixture against a USA Select Team on September 7.

Plans for the new 1,100-seater arena are complete and, with the playing floor already laid, work is due to start on the rest of the infrastructure.

Atkinson is excited about the new venture, saying: "The opening game at the fantastic new arena will be geared towards providing a superb, welcoming and family-friendly experience for the Giants fans.

"As well as being the first chance to see the Giants in action, we will be hosting a Giants coaching clinic as well as providing free, supervised football and basketball activities and a bouncy castle for juniors.

"For adults the licensed bar will be open for food and drinks and showing all the live sport – the Trafford Centre is, of course, on our doorstep for those who fancy some shopping.

"There will also be a number of ongoing activities including basketball children's parties, coaching camps, 3v3 tournaments and community programmes designed to make the arena a focal point for basketball within Manchester".

Giants director Graham Herstell added: "We are really looking forward to what we believe will be a productive relationship with Powerleague.

"It will be a fantastic facility for our home games and we see it as playing a big part in the club achieving the next stage of our development."

Giants 2014-15 season ticket sales are going well following the news of the move to the new venue and are available from manchestergiants.com.

The Giants also have sponsorship opportunities for businesses and packages available for a bespoke VIP suite for companies and their clients.

For season ticket sales or tickets to the opening game, visit manchestergiants.com.

For information coaching camps, parties or sponsorship contact info@manchestergiants.com