Tomorrow night when the Caledonia Gladiators make the short trip across the border once again, it’s an extra special Eagles game night as a flavour of the MOBO Awards comes to the Vertu Motors Arena.

Ahead the awards ceremony being hosted in Newcastle next week, the Friday night tip-off will feature live performances and DJ sets from two up-and-coming artists.

The highly anticipated MOBO Awards on Tuesday 18 February, taking place in Newcastle for the first time, is the UK’s premier celebration of black music and culture, marking a historic moment for the city and the wider North East region.

In the build-up to the next Tuesday’s big night, the MOBO Fringe five-day festival runs from today until Monday 17 February in a collaboration between Newcastle City Council, MOBO and its partners, with the support of over 50 community and industry representatives across the city which aims to inspire young creatives and highlight the exceptional talent in our region.

Prior to the Friday evening action and at half-time in the main arena, OneDa will keep the Eagles fans’ energy levels up as she incorporates elements from the UK’s hip-hop and drum and bass scenes, mixing in an eclectic mix of afro-trap and afrobeats to lean into her Nigerian heritage.

At the break up in The Brian Manning Suite, the Eagles VIP Hospitality guests will be treated to North East-based singer Gift as she blends the heartfelt emotions of soul music with the vibrant spirit of her Igbo heritage, in her unique style, with distinctive and smooth vocals.

Limited numbers of tickets for this special MOBO Awards collaboration game night, a first for British basketball, are available from the box office.