The British Basketball League club, formerly known as the Milton Keynes Lions, secured the move to the £43 million (€53 million/$70 million) 7,500-capacity Copper Box last year and will be the first professional sports team to move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Following the reconfiguration of the Park, the Copper Box is due to reopen on July 27 and the match against the American college side, known as the Iowa Hawkeyes, will be one of the first events to take place there. 

"We are delighted to have such a respected University as our first opponents at the Copper Box Arena, this is a storied programme that has produced terrific players for the NBA, it's just the kind of test we need to get the ball rolling for what promises to be an exciting time for Lions basketball but also for GB basketball," said Lions coach Vince Macaulay.


The Copper Box proved to be one of the most popular venues during London 2012 and officials are keen to maintain that reputation when it reopens.

"The Copper Box Arena will once again be the 'box that rocks' this summer as the London Lions start their season playing one of America's top university teams," said Dennis Hone, chief executive at the London Legacy Development Corporation.

"Last year we saw what a great atmosphere this venue can produce, it will be a fantastic place to watch London's only professional basketball team shoot some hoops.

"The game against Iowa is a really exciting way to get the season started and a great opportunity for people to come and experience sport back on the Park this summer.

"Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is opening in phases, starting with the Copper Box and parts of the north Park.

"We are on track to deliver a fantastic new destination and a lasting legacy for East London and are looking forward to the full opening of the Park in the spring next year."

Ticket prices for the match will range from £9 ($14/€10.50) to £42 ($64/€49) and are available for sale by clickng here.  

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