Last summer, London’s O2 (North Greenwich) arena played host to Olympic basketball, where players from across the globe dribbled and dunked their way to international glory. Now London gets another chance to see some of the best Olympians play for their domestic clubs, as the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks tip off later today.

While the Olympics had plenty of razzmatazz, the Americans love to throw plenty of off-court entertainment into their domestic sports, so one can expect an almighty show both on and off the court.

The three-time NBA champion Pistons have brought their home fans plenty of excitement at the halftime game break this season including MC Hammer, Gladys Knight and even British artist Jay Sean. While it will be hard to beat those names, The Pistons are always supported by their professional dance and cheer teams. NBA players have been known to show off their high-flying, acrobatic dunks and Detroit’s cheer squad also perform their own acrobatic moves to a near Olympic standard. It’s as if basketball and gymnastics have returned to The O2 to combine for one show. On the other side of the ball, the New York Knicks have won the NBA championship twice, and their dance team are arguably the most famous in the league.

Knicks City Dancers entertain fans during game breaks (bednarskimedia.blogspot.com)

You can expect both teams to be playing at full tilt, as this is no exhibition and both teams are chasing a coveted playoff spot for their chance at the 2013 NBA championship. The last NBA London contest lived up to the billing and much more, as the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors needed two overtime periods to decide a winner.

Three players will be returning from the summer Olympics: Argentinian Pablo Prigioni as well as Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler from the gold medal-winning USA squad. All three will suit up for New York, joined by Beijing 2008 gold medalist Jason Kidd. It is this experience that makes the Knicks a favourite in this game, despite the presence of another 2008 gold medalist for Detroit, Tayshaun Prince.

If you don’t have a ticket for this sold out game, fear not, because more top level basketball will be returning in May. The top European club teams making up the “Euroleague final four” will arrive at the O2 to decide who the best team in Europe is. Earlier this season Barcelona defeated the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, 99-85, showing just how talented the European clubs are.

You can get involved in “NBA London Live” even without a ticket too, as just outside the Olympic Park in Stratford the “New Era” store will have an NBA room complete with a genuine basketball court through 20 January. Fans can get involved with various basketball games including a slam dunk competition where fans can win great prizes.

Be sure to catch all the action between the Knicks and Pistons starting at 19:30, live on Sky Sports in HD and 3D.

Thanks to Adam Goldstein for sharing his love of the NBA and what makes it so unique. He’s also a published author of the book “Tailgate to Heaven: A British NFL Fan Tackles America” which is a great read to get ready for next fall’s NFL matches at Wembley!  LondonPrepares.com will be your source for all the information to prepare for the historic set of American football games this coming September and October.

(Feature Image: counterkicks.com)

Adam Goldstein might be England’s most passionate NFL fan, having spent weeks and months at a time to experience this passion on American soil. He’s even written a book about it, “Tailgate to Heaven: A British NFL Fan Tackles America” and prepares us at LondonPrepares.com about why it’s worth your time to take it all in here in the UK:

This will be the sixth year when the NFL brings two of its 32 teams to London, to do battle in a regular season match. On Sunday October 28 at 5pm London time, the St. Louis Rams will take on the mighty New England Patriots.

Being from London and having experienced a live NFL game myself at every stadium in the NFL as well as the London spectacle, I know just how special this annual event is. You may have heard of the amazing events that surround the NFL’s championship game, better known as the “Super Bowl”. This weekend’s events are like London’s own Super Bowl party, one that will only double in size next year as the NFL returns with two games for the first time!

Many people that have only seen the NFL on TV may not know that going to a game is about much more than the game itself. Many hours before the game, fans head to the stadium’s car park and bring their own grills for a gigantic feast that they call the “Tailgate”.

The Tailgate party is for many reasons why going to an NFL game is such a unique and special experience. You don’t even have to like the sport to enjoy yourself at a tailgate, you only have to like food. Fans cook and share food throughout the pre-game, while some continue during the game and even after the game too.

The NFL’s UK arm (the British wing of the NFL) make sure that British fans don’t miss out on this tailgating experience. Since we have slightly different laws in the UK, fans aren’t allowed to grill at the car park of Wembley stadium. As a result, NFL UK puts on a more “formal” tailgating event five hours before kick-off.

The Tailgate is free for all game day ticket holders. For everyone else though, this experience is replicated to a large extent at Trafalgar Square on Saturday. One can expect player interviews, bands, cheerleaders, interactive games and the opportunity to view key memorabilia from NFL history, buy NFL merchandise and of course enjoy the food.

So if you are planning on going to the game, don’t do the “British” thing and head to Wembley just before kick-off; turn up hours before the game and make a whole day of it! If you aren’t planning on going to the game, then you can still get a sense of the fun and the culture surrounding the sport during Saturday’s fan rally at Trafalgar Square. They are both free and a lot of fun.

And if you miss all of the above, then you could always check out my book Tailgate To Heaven.  The book tells my story of selling everything I had to see NFL games in all 32 cities, along the way finding out what makes NFL fans so unique and the power of a mind blowing sporting phenomenon: “The Tailgate”.

Tailgate To Heaven is available in hardback and kindle editions and is available from all good bookstores. Adam will be at the Green Man pub on gameday at Wembley signing copies of his new book.

(Feature image: waywardwandering.com)

“NBA Europe Live 2012″ will feature two of the NBA’s best teams, the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. While both have won championships in the past five seasons, the Mavericks’ match against European power Barcelona will be under the spotlight as the Spanish team has similarly won a European championship in the same timeframe.

Taking place 9 October at Palau Sant Jordi, the same Olympic basketball arena where the original “Dream Team” made its run in 1992, players on both teams will be inspired to return to their past Olympic glory.  The most well known of these is the Mavericks’ Vince Carter, who at Sydney’s 2000 Olympics made the world take notice as he flew over France’s Frederic Weis for a dunk. With multiple players on both teams having played in past Olympics, this is sure to be a competitive affair. Barcelona also has multiple players with NBA experience, including former European player of the year Sarunas Jasikevicius and Spanish Olympic team captain Juan Carlos Navarro.

High flying Vince Carter will seek to continue the NBA's European dominance (nbadunks.org)

Following up on the American Dream Team’s gold medal performance, the Olympic basketball arena will once again see a champion crowned in 2013. Elite European teams, including Barcelona, will compete for one of four semi-final places in the “Euroleague Final Four” that will arrive at the O2 in May.

The NBA will also be back in London in 2013, as Team USA’s Carmelo Anthony leads his New York Knicks to the O2 to face the Detroit Pistons this January. It won’t be long for Carmelo’s “Dream Team” mates to return to Europe either, as they will compete in Barcelona during the 2014 Basketball World Cup.

Can Europe’s best compete with the NBA? While the NBA has won 36 of 43 matches against these elite European teams since 2003, don’t be surprised if Barcelona not only arrives in London this May for the “Final Four” but also with the distinction of knocking off one of the NBA’s best.  The other European teams on the tour in Italy, Germany and Turkey however likely won’t be as fortunate.

Just a few minutes walk from all the live action, you will be within view of the stadium while having everything you could want to make it a true VIP experience!

Here’s how you and a guest will be treated like true VIP’s:
- Watch all the action in the exclusive VIP room with access to the stunning rooftop terrace at Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City
- 2 bottles of champagne (1 per person)
- 2 massages from Ibiza Angels (1 per person)
- Dedicated Valet
- Large Screen to watch the all the action from the stadium and more!

2 VIP packages (for 2 people each) are available to be won.

All you have to do to enter FREE is take two minutes to register with our partner (no deposit needed) by clicking here.
Then email info@londonprepares.com with your name as well as the unique account number provided upon registration.

Further rules and regulations are available below.

1. Entrants must email details of their name, email address and account number provided.
2. The opening date for the competition is 2.01pm 23 August 2012 (BST). The closing date for the competition is 11.59pm on 31 August 2012 (BST).
3. The winners will be selected at random, subject to registration verification.
4. The competition is open to all residents of the UK aged 18 and over except for London Prepares Ltd employees, all contractors and families/friends or anyone directly connected with the promotion.
5. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for any cash alternatives in whole or in part.
6. No purchase is necessary.
7. No responsibility is accepted for any entries that are incomplete, lost or delayed or are unable to be submitted because of any technical or other reason.
8. Only one entry per person. The Prize Winner shall be notified, via email and the London Prepares Facebook and Twitter page on the day of the draw (3rd September). If the Prize Winners fail to confirm their acceptance of the Prize within three (3) days of being announced as the winner, the prize will be deemed forfeited and shall not be awarded.
9. The prizes (x2): VIP experience for 2 people on 8 September 2012 between 7pm and 11pm at Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City. 

Casa Brasil: Get Ready for Rio 2016 — Ramp up for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games with host city Rio! Through Sept. 8, you can have your choice of some unique experiences. Brazil, the Time is Now will show you some of the folk and creative culture, while Passion and Transformation: a unique experience through sport will take you on a tour of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and give you a glimpse into the development, design and creation of the Rio 2016 logos.

Medals from 1948 London Olympics

Olympic Medals and more - See historic Olympic medals dating back to as far as the 1908 London Olympics, at the Olympic Medals Exhibit at the British Museum. The exhibit will be open through Sept. 9 and also includes unique Olympic memorabilia from different eras. You’ll also have the chance to see the “Olympic Trail” exhibit and take in more history that will enlighten you on the Games.

Collecting the Games – After you learn about the Medals of the Olympic Games, learn about the actual history of the Olympic Games at the British Library. Free of charge, the exhibit is open through Sept. 9. See the history brought to life as the British Library and International Olympic Committee present Olympex 2012: Collecting the Olympic Games. The exhibition is comprised of personal memorabilia collected from the historic games of years gone by, focussing on the 1908 to 1948 Olympics, before television began to cover every aspect of the Games.

Jammin’ with Jamaica – Although Jamaica House closes with the Olympics, it’s most famous export will stick around for you.  Learn all about musician Bob Marley including a chance to get interactive with his music. Located at the British Music Experience, you can visit daily from 11am.  Find out more about the exhibit here.

Czech House: Check out their FREE music and other surprises this weekend!

And you can listen to an interview with Londonprepares.com on TalkSport discussing more of the country house highlights:

Russian Red Rocks– Back for an encore, Russia Park is hosting the Red Rocks Music Festival on Aug. 11. It’s the biggest Russian contemporary music event ever held in London. You’ll see Okean Elzy (UA), B-2, Machete, Dj Subwave Dj Modular and special guest Fenech Soler. After earlier charging £40, the event is now FREE! The fest starts at 6 p.m. For more information, check the event Facebook page.

Ready for Rio — Ramp up for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games with host city Rio! For the last evening of Rio Hour on Aug. 11, soak in Brazilian culture by joining Naurea, Joao Brasil, Sargento Pimenta and the legendary Paraiso School of Samba as they give a peek into Rio 2016 through music. The concert runs from from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Casa Brasil.

Jammin’ at Jamaica House – Jamaica House will continue hosting food, drinks and live music from 4 p.m. through 3 a.m. each night this weekend. UK Radio presenters will be reporting from Jamaica House and will host the JTB “Win a Holiday in Jamaica Competition”. On Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. Black Slate will perform, then stick around with the Jamaica crowd to watch the women’s 4 x 400 meter relay finals at 9 p.m., and the men’s 4×100 meter relay finals between 8 p.m. and midnight. On Aug. 12, the Olympics Closing Ceremony will be followed by a party with DJ Rory. Online registrations are full, however the staff advises to arrive before 6 p.m. to ensure entrance. As a reminder, Jamaica House has a one-in, one-out policy, and as the night goes on, the queues grow longer. You also have the option of taking in a little Jamaican culture on the terrace at IndigO2 At Proud2.

Czech Beats – If you’re looking for even more world music, check out the Czech House. DJ and Czech Radio 1 presenter Martin Mikulas will play soul, funk, Latin, jazz and electronic music from 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. Plus, Czech athletes are always dropping by the house, so you never know which VIPs will be in attendance.

Going Dutch — If you haven’t been to the Holland Heineken House yet, make it your priority! The folks here really know how to party, and you’ll be surrounded by thousands of orange-clad revellers — you can even watch the events on a big screen while sitting in a specially built grandstand. Holland Heineken House is open until 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 12, the night of the closing ceremony, and tickets are still available. To visit you must have a valid admission ticket ordered in advance, and ID proving you are 18 years of age. (Children are allowed until 8pm, as long as they are accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older).

Mascots and Merriment – Through the end of August between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. get yourself and your kids involved in the Summer Games at the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.  A team of Games helpers will put you through your paces in some fun, simple, outdoor family activities. Plus, the little ones can check out an exhibit featuring all the Olympic mascots dating back to 1972. Additionally, there are yoga, dance and football workshops for children to sign up for. But please note, you must book in advance. Also, age restrictions apply. For more information, click here.

Yodel-Ay-Eee-Ooo! – Through Aug. 12, we know there’s at least one place where you can take the kids where you don’t have to keep them quiet–courtesy of Austria House. Embrace one of Tirol’s stereotypes and yodel your socks off. Located outside in the Tirolean Alpine Garden is a traditional British red telephone box. Pick up the phone to record your yodel and you’ll be entered for your chance to win a week’s vacation to Mayrhofen in the summer of 2013. Need lessons? take tips from the professional Yodel instructor who will be around to help.

Live and Large: The BT live sites at Hyde Park and Victoria Park are on through the end of the Olympic Games. It a great way to keep the kids entertained, while also making sure Mum and Dad get to watch the Games. No tickets are required for the venues, although there can be queues, so go early. The sites have huge screens, thousands of screaming fans and plenty of activities for the younger set, including bouncy castles, fairground rides and the zipline that Mayor of London Boris Johnson found himself stuck on!

Haven’t yet visited an Olympic country house? Check out our video preview of some of the best, and find other highlights below.

Casa Brasil
Location: Somerset House, Strand; Nearest tube is Temple Station
Open:  Most events from 10am to 9pm, musical performances from 7pm to 10pm.

As host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazil has a lot in store for visitors through Sept. 9. On Aug. 9 at 11 a.m., see an exhibition called “From the Margin to the Edge: Brazilian Art and Design in the 21st Century“. Enjoy Brazilian culture through its contemporary art on Aug. 10 as well, as the country showcases itself in “Exhibition Brazil, the time is now!“.  For more information, visit our Casa Brasil preview.

Jamaica House
Location: Inside the O2 Arena (called the North Greenwich Arena during the Games); Nearest Tube North Greenwich Station
Open:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Aug. 9 at 4 p.m., Jamaica House will present the documentary “People Reel.” From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., UK Radio presenters will be reporting from Jamaica House and will  launch the  JTB “Win a Holiday in Jamaica Competition.” For more information, visit our Jamaica House preview

Irish House
Location: Big Chill House, 257 Pentonville Road; Kings Cross Tube Station
Open:  10 a.m. to 2 a.m.;  £10 until 6 p.m., £15 from 6 p.m.

More live music to tickle your fancy will be available at the Irish House Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, visitors may hear Jacqui Hynes and the J. Eoin Traditional Irish Session from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stick around to hear acoustic covers from Liam Byrne from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Later from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., the show goes on with the Christie Moore Tribute Show, and closes off at 11 p.m. with some of the hottest live Irish DJs on the scene! On Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., hear Karen Ryan’s traditional Irish session, then later from 11 p.m., Arveene & Famous Eno closes the set out with their live DJ skills.

Medals from 1948 London Olympics

Royal Opera House
Location: Covent Garden; nearest tube is Covent Garden
Open:  10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Want to learn more about the history of the Olympics? BP and the Royal Opera House have teamed up with the Lausanne-based Olympic Museum and brought to London a free, unique exhibit illustrating the Olympic story through the achievements of ancient and modern Olympians. The exhibition will be open through Aug. 12 and will  include summer Olympic Medals since 1896, summer Olympic Torches since 1936 and artifacts from athletes through the ages. The exhibit has proven to be quite popular, so best to go before the weekend!  Find out more with our full preview here.

The exhibit’s first room explains the Ancient Games and how they were designed to unite ancient Greece through the famous “Olympic truce”. Athletes competed naked and spent plenty of time preparing themselves with oils for their performances!

As a loud voice welcomes you to the games in the second room, the figures come to life and you watch a very roughly fought chariot race where the cheater is disqualified. There you’ll find out that the ancient Games were banned at the end of the 4th Century by the Romans as they were considered a pagan festival.

Moving into room three you learn about the founder of the modern games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. De Coubertin took idea of the games which were held in Much Wenlock, England, since 1850, and developed the idea of an international modern Olympic Games, which he successfully launched in 1896 in Athens, Greece.

An Olympic torch and medals from the exhibit (gramophone.co.uk)

The Olympic torch and the relay began in 1936 for the Berlin Games, and room four has a wonderful display of past Olympic torches since then. There are plenty of fun facts about torch relays past as well. Did you know that for the Sydney Games, a torch was carried underwater at the Great Barrier Reef and by camel in the desert? The flame first went in an airplane in 1952 to get to Helsinki. And to get to Mexico in 1968, the flame journeyed by boat that followed the route Christopher Columbus took.

The fifth and final room has a great display of all the medals since 1896, and it’s clear to see the London 2012 ones are by far the biggest, especially compared with London 1908 which are about the size of a £2 coin. There are also displays of key athletes and their achievements with films and memorabilia such as their medals, tickets and the outfits they competed in. You can learn more about Fanny Blankers-Koen, the Flying Dutchwoman whose medal tally was only restricted by the rules banning women from competing in more than three individual events. And from more recent days, there is the famous Steve Redgrave video telling anyone who sees him getting in to a boat again to shoot him – of course, he went on for another games and won yet another gold medal.

The final treat is a chance to have a photo of yourself with the London 2012 torch as well as a souvenir brochure. Not bad for a free exhibit! The Olympic Journey is only on until 12th August, so do try and squeeze in a visit.

(Feature image: completefrance.com)

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