A new huge basketball arena reportedly planned in Tel Aviv / News - Basketnews.com

Maccabi and Hapoel are reportedly collaborating on a new project that would result in a new arena that could hold up to 20,000 people.

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Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv have been playing in the same Menora Mivtachim Arena for decades. This might change in the future.

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According to Adi Rubinstein from Israel Hayom, Maccabi are working with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to build a new, much bigger basketball arena in Tel Aviv.

The current Menora Mivtachim Arena, often called Yad Eliyahu is Israel, is one of the oldest active venues in European basketball. Opened in 1963, it has been renovated a number of times and can hold close to 11,000 spectators in basketball games. However, it doesn't meet the demand anymore.

Maccabi sell out their season tickets each season, while regular remaining tickets are always in high demand. The arena's capacity and lack of modern structures and facilities currently holds Tel Aviv back from hosting the biggest sports events, Rubinstein notes, citing Tel Aviv Municipality sources.

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv would join on the project, the journalist notes. Hapoel are currently playing in the Shlomo Group Arena in Tel Aviv that holds less than 4000 spectators in basketball matches. This is one of the limiting factors in club's growth and possible participation in the EuroLeague in the future.

It is noted that a conversation about a 20,000-seat arena is being held, and the decision is for the city's mayor Ron Huldai to make.

Hapoel's current venue has been closed for 30 days on Monday following a series of acts of violence during and after the club's games in the Israeli League recently, including practice facilities.

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