On September 25, VTB United League 2019/20 season will be opened by Khimki vs Zielona Gora on VTB Arena in Moscow.
Tip-off time will be announced after coordination with TV rightholders.
The first and only basketball game on VTB Arena was VTB United League All-Star Game held on February 17, 2019. World Stars won in a clutch defeating Russian Starts 118:115. The All-Star Game sold out with 11 700 spectators on VTB Arena.
League General director Ilona Korstin:
– On behalf of the League I totally support Khimki’s initiative to hold the opening game on VTB Arena. It’s going to be a bright season opener for the League. We’ve already held the All-Star on this arena and the League is ready to provide any assistance to Khimki. Our mutual goal is to increase attendance of League games and involve more and more basketball fans.
Khimki’s challenge is to fill VTB Arena which would prove that they are making it to the next level.
Khimki General director Pavel Astakhov:
– According to our long-term strategy, we’re planning to have a home arena that conforms to today’s requirements. This applies to both VTB League and Euroleague games. For example, the Leningradka derby deserves to be played in the arena with bigger capacity.
The game to be held on September 25 on VTB Arena is crucial to us because we have to assess all the difficulties of holding basketball games on multifunctional arena with high attendance.
