TEAM GB’s stunning Olympic successes have left organisers in Liverpool eagerly anticipating perhaps the greatest gathering of sporting achievement in the city’s history.
The Olympics team are certain to play a major role in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, which will this year be broadcast from Liverpool’s Arena and Conference Centre.
The waterfront event could also feature a possible Formula One world champion in Lewis Hamilton, and a Ryder Cup golf winning team if Europe are successful in America next month.
Roger Mosey, director of BBC Sport, said: “Britain’s success at the Olympic Games means this year’s Sports Personality will be even more special. We will be inviting all our gold medal winners, so the heroes of Beijing will be coming to Liverpool.”
The news has generated a palpable sense of excitement in the city.
Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley said: “With team GB’s success in Beijing, this year’s BBC awards being held in Liverpool are all set to be the most hotly contested ever. Just how do you choose a winner with so many winning performances and so much talent around today?
“The fact that they are being held in a city world famous for its sporting triumphs will only add to the excitement. It will be one of the highlights of our Capital of Culture year.”
The box office phones have been red hot at the Arena since the ann-ouncement, and Bob Prattey, ACC chief executive, said interest was now exceeding all expectations.
He said: “Getting the Sports Personality awards a couple of months ago was excellent news.
“But, with the tremendous success of our athletes in China, it’s getting better and better. Alongside the MTV Europe awards, it’s generating enormous interest in sales, although we’re not even on sale yet. The box office is buzzing all the time and it has been palpable on the phones that more and more people are asking when the tickets are going on sale.”
It is hoped that many local fans will be able to take part in the traditional BBC celebration of the nation’s sporting talent.
Mr Prattey said: “We’re still in talks about layout and the nature of the event. But we understand there will be a large part of the audience, several thousand, that will be made up of sports fans.
“The profile and impact for us of being featured in one of the BBC’s biggest broadcasts, especially with the redoubled interest generated in these games, is tremendous.
“The entire UK will know that Liverpool has a top-notch arena.”
