THE University of Worcester Arena has been voted the number one venue in the British Basketball League by the sport's fans in the United Kingdom.

The multi-purpose 2,000-seater sports facility beat off competition from other facilities across the country to win a BBL vote.

Worcester Wolves' home topped the poll over venues like the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, O2, London, and the new Leicester Arena.

Mick Donovan, the university’s deputy pro vice chancellor (inclusive sport and educational development), said: “The arena was created with a clear focus upon an inclusive approach to sport and engaging as many people as possible.

"Clearly basketball forms a significant part of what we provide at the arena and we are delighted British fans have recognised it as a venue they enjoy coming to above all others, reflecting the great atmosphere we create on match day.”

BBL chief operating officer Andy Webb said: “Although pitted against other excellent venues across the country the arena’s facilities and atmosphere clearly stood out to the public.

"They must also suit the home side too who are unbeaten at the arena in nine games and have not lost there since the beginning of the year.”

The arena was the training base of British Wheelchair Basketball in the run-up to their most successful Paralympic Games.

It has hosted national and international tournaments in netball, badminton and taekwondo among other sports.

Last month representatives of the Japanese Paralympic Committee paid their fourth visit to Worcester to see the university’s work in disability sport and visit the arena as they prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.