WORCESTER Wolves will tip-off their 2012-13 British Basketball League campaign with a home match against Durham Wildcats.
Paul James’ side, who finished third in the standings last season, welcome the Wildcats, bottom of the table in 2011-12, to the University of Worcester on Saturday, September 22 (7pm).
Wolves spent the majority of last term on the coat-tails of Newcastle Eagles and visit the champions six days later on Friday, September 28 (7.30pm).
Director of basketball James said: “We just know that, as always, Newcastle will be a stern test. Allied to that, we cannot take Durham lightly either.
“They may have struggled for victories last season, but anyone that you play in your first fixture is going to be a dangerous opponent while players are still bedding into their roles on the team.”
Wolves have also taken the decision to switch home matches to 7.30pm on Fridays from January 2013 in preparation for the move to the Worcester Arena.
Construction at the Hylton Road venue is progressing and a February opening has been pencilled in, with new franchise the East London Royals a potential first fixture on Friday, February 8, the first of three consecutive home matches.
Wolves complete their league campaign away at Plymouth Raiders on Saturday, April 6.
All 13 teams will face each other three times during the regular season, with the top eight qualifying for the end-of-season play-offs in April.

For the full list of fixtures, see tomorrow morning’s Worcester News.