Great Britain’s basketball stars won’t be losing any sleep over Monday’s EuroBasket clash against Germany after one of the North East’s favourite hotels stepped in to put the finishing touches to their pre-match preparations.
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead are hosting the Newcastle-based acting GB head coach Marc Steutel, his coaching staff, players and physios ahead of Monday’s Eagles Community Arena showdown.
And the landmark hotel on the banks of the Tyne is keen to play a bigger role in progressing basketball across the North East.
Martin Robinson, General Manager, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, said: “We are proud to be partnering with Newcastle Eagles and GB Basketball this month.
“It’s phenomenal that we’ve got a world class facility like the Eagles Community Arena on our doorstep.
“The buzz surrounding this EuroBasket 2021 qualifier is incredible and we’re delighted to be part of it.
“It is a pleasure to be at the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the Eagles and we’re excited to become a part of the region’s basketball community.”
GB travel to Tyneside on Saturday evening following Friday night’s clash in Montenegro.
And once Steutel’s men have settled into the Hilton they will head across the Tyne for a Sunday afternoon training session at the ECA.
Chris Morris, GB Basketball Team Manager and Head of Delegation, said: “We are delighted to be staying with the Hilton. The players and staff are widely travelled, and regard Hilton hotels as both a ‘go to’ choice and among the very best in the world.
“Being able to stay at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and knowing that is the choice of so many sports teams visiting the city gives Marc, myself and everyone in the team huge confidence going into the game with Germany.”
Newcastle Eagles are working together with GB Basketball to host next week’s huge event in the city.
Paul Blake, Managing Director of the Eagles, said: “Marc, his staff and players have a hectic schedule this week and we know that Hilton will provide the perfect base for GB to get fully rested before the Germany game.
“Martin and his colleagues have a reputation for ensuring that their guests always feel welcome and I know from experience that nothing is too much trouble.
“I’m sure the GB party will benefit from their stay at Hilton and we’re thrilled to be working with one of the region’s best-loved hotels.”
Monday’s fixture is close to selling out and Eagles officials are grateful for all the support that businesses across the region have shown them in the sprint-finish for preparations for the tip-off.
“Having Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on-board is another vital piece of the jigsaw with so many moving parts involved in getting a game like this to happen,” added Dan Black, Sales and Communications Manager at Newcastle Eagles.
“I know that Martin and his staff are excited to be hosting the GB squad and we can’t wait for them to arrive in the North East as game night edges closer.”
