ESSEX Leopards will be playing a third of their home games in Southend this season.

The Big Cats will play seven of their matches at the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, including a BBL Trophy clash against arguably Britain’s premier club Newcastle Eagles.

And, after an encouraging crowd at the Garon Park venue for a game against Bristol Academy Flyers last season, chairman Fred Dicker is hoping for a positive response in the area.

“We’re pleased to be coming back to Southend” said Dicker.

“Considering we had very little time to promote our game there last season, we had a very good crowd and both the old Leopards and Pirates were well supported in Southend.

“Hopefully that can be the same again this season and we hope the people of Southend will turn out in force to support us and that some of our fans from Brentwood will also make the trip as well.

Leopards, who play in the English Basketball League, will play their other home games at the Brentwood Centre during the course of the season.

The Big Cats will play both of their pre-season friendlies at that venue against Team USA on Friday September 6 and London Lions on Sunday September 22.

But Robert Youngblood’s team will begin their defence of the National Trophy in Southend on Sunday September 29 when they host Bradford Dragons, tip-off 4pm.

The following Sunday will see either Barking Abbey or Hertfordshire Warriors visit Southend in the National Cup second round, with this game tipping off at 5.30pm.

And Southend will also stage Leopards’ prestigious home BBL Trophy first round tie against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday January 19, tip off 4pm.

Tickets for the matches will be available later this week, but season tickets are now able to be purchased.

Adult season tickets are priced at £80, children £40 and a family season ticket for two adults and up to three children is £200.

They can be bought through pay pal on www.leopardsbasketball. co.uk or by sending a cheque made payable to Leopards 2004 Ltd to 57 Winchester Close, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 4JQ