WORCESTER Wolves say attracting schools and families to games was the main motivation behind switching to Friday home fixtures.

The British Basketball League club made the change to coincide with moving to the new University Arena and around 1,700 people turned up for the victory over Leicester Riders.

With a carnival atmosphere created by commentators, cheerleaders and rock music, Wolves believe they are appealing to the younger generation at the end of the week.

Co-founder Mick Donovan said: “We did a lot of research on Fridays so we haven’t gone in blind. Even last year, we found the gates improved on Friday nights. A lot of the schools are not keen to come on a Saturday but we had a few school parties last Friday.

“They had basketball practice after school then all jumped on the bus and came to the game and the parents collected them.

“If it’s a Saturday, parents have to drop the kids off and pick them up and it disrupts their time.

“Often people will come and watch it with their families on a Friday night rather than break into the weekend.”

Worcester Warriors also play some of their home games on Fridays and three — on November 1 and 15 and March 21 — clash with Wolves.

“We’ve looked closely at the Warriors fixtures.They are the biggest show in town so we’re not going to compete in terms of gates but we’ve avoided most of their fixtures,” Donovan said.

Wolves, who have won their first two BBL games, visit London Lions tomorrow night and host Cheshire Phoenix on Friday (both 7.30pm).