Riders score slam dunk as stadium expansion gets green light

The UK’s number one basketball team is set to extend its Leicester home by 1,200 sq m after council planning chiefs gave the Club’s expansion proposals the thumbs up.

Technical consultants M-EC, HSSP Architects and contractor C3 Construction have helped the Leicester Riders to secure planning permission for the stadium extension, which will see an additional two courts and outdoor catering facilities added to Morningside Arena.

The 3,000 capacity Arena is already the largest indoor venue in Leicester, and the proposed extension will create the largest basketball facility in the country.

Tim Rose, director at Leicestershire-based M-EC, said: “We were pleased to be instructed on this local project, working alongside the wider project team. The team included HSSP Architects, with whom we have a good working relationship, having worked together on a number of previous projects.

“We were delighted with the successful planning outcome for the 1,200 sq m extension, which following completion, will enhance the sports arena for the people of Leicester to enjoy. We continue to work on this project following planning approval, and we are looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”

Established in 1967, Leicester Riders moved to their current home at Morningside Arena in 2016. The team won the British Basketball League in 2020-21 and 2021-22.