Barcelona to defend Euroleague title on home soil
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Regal Barcelona will have the chance to defend the Euroleague basketball title it won this year on home soil following the announcement that the 'Final Four' will be held in Barcelona in 2011.
The Final Four consists of the best four teams in Europe playing two semifinals, a third and fourth place play off and the final to decide which side is the most powerful in European basketball.
The Palau San Jordi, where Barcelona plays its home matches, will host the Final Four between 6-8 May next year. The announcement comes 7 years after the city last hosted the event, when Barcelona was crowned the best team in Europe in 2003.
"We are delighted to be able to bring an event of World standing to the city," said Euroleague Director General, Jordi Bertomeu at the announcement, before adding that next year's event would be bigger than ever.
"It is much more than just four matches, this time we also have the idea of organizing a basketball fair to coincide with the event. We are convinced that the Final Four 2011 will be a success, the 2003 event that was held here represented a step forward in relation to previous finals."
"Barcelona is always one step ahead. The San Jordi is a magnificent installation and this is a logical decision for us to have taken," concluded Bertomeu.
Barcelona won last season's Euroleague after beating Greek side Olympiakos in Paris.
