Well this is the week that has been talked about around Brighton for quite some time now.

The big battle against the top of the table Thames Valley Tigers live on Meridian followed up by the wheel chair international being shown on BBC Grandstand this month.

Wow! It seems hard to believe that in just a few short months Brighton has become a focal point for great live basketball in the Brighton Centre and live on the television.

A lot of credit goes to you great supporters for this. It is not by chance that these games are being shown. The big crowds that turn out to support the Bears are a big part of the reason that Meridian picked up these games.

Meridian boss Tony Baines needs to be given credit for having the foresight to finally put British basketball on the big stage the sport enjoys in the rest of the world. The Brighton Centre and its staff have been excellent in allowing things like this double header to take place, which in turn allows Meridian and the BBC to cover the match in a venue that looks awesome during a basketball match.

Headman Steve Piper along with Wendy Walton deserve thanks. We can even go back further than that to the Brighton and Hove Council who two years ago made a huge commitment to the Bears and the city to make this arena basketball ready. What you are about to witness this weekend either live or on telly is a culmination of all these efforts. I am happy to be a part of it.

There is a lot more than basketball going on this weekend, as most of you know. Sandy Knight and our marketing department put on a great night of entertainment for the whole family. Of course the game is exciting and fast paced but there are also cheerleaders dancing, face painting, a raffle and giveaways where great prizes are won. There is our team Mascot Charlie Argus to entertain you. There is a half time shoot out competition where you can test your skills on the very floor the Bears play on and much more. It is a great day or night for the whole family and there is something for everyone.

Don't forget the match is tipping at 2.30pm because of the television. There again has been a lot of talk about tickets being sold out. I would really expect that to be the case, so get there really early or book your tickets in advance like you would for a concert or any other major sporting event.

This one will be a big one so come on down to the Brighton Centre and check it out. If not at least tune into Meridian and cheer from the comforts of your living room or your favourite pub.

I hope to have some holiday cheer to report on in this column next week.

Until then, GO BEARS