This season, B stands for basketball as well as Berlin as the German capital gets set to host the 2009 Final Four in the spanking new O2 World, one of the most advanced arenas anywhere. On the first weekend of May, 2009, fans of the Euroleague will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a basketball showcase that is second to none, an arena that sets a new standard for excellence and a city that is as progressive as they come. Even before the Euroleague crowns a champion on May 3, Berlin will be treated to basketball excellence as home team Alba Berlin plays its home games at O2 World. Fans from afar don't have to wait much longer, either, to witness a unique event in world sports when the Final Four comes to town next spring. The triple shot of Euroleague Basketball, Berlin and O2 Arena is sure to be a game-winner.

The recently-inaugurated O2 World, venue for the 2009 Final Four, is a state-of-the-art, 17,000 seat arena on 18 hectares where a former railway station had stood. Watch on a time-release video just how the site was transformed over a couple of busy years into a shining new temple of sports and entertainment where the Euroleague's best will vie for the continental trophy.

The only Berlin native playing in the 2008-09 Euroleague, Jan Jagla of DKV Joventut, blogs about his city's motivation to host the Final Four and every Euroleague player has to reach it. "I can only say how proud I am that our sport will be showcased in my city," he writes, "and how excited I am for fans to enjoy the best of European basketball there."

At the Euroleague Draw in the summer, Euroleague.net spoke with Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, a new Euroleague Basketball partner, developer of O2 World and the co-host of the 2009 Final Four in Berlin. "We're a believer in basketball," Messick said. "It's a pleasure and delight for us to have an opportunity to bring the Euroleague Final Four to Berlin"

O2 World, Berlin