Press Release

Aug 21 2024

Basketball Ireland appoint Karl Stafford as Arena Manager of National Basketball Arena

Basketball Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Stafford as Arena Manager of the National Basketball Arena.

Stafford joins Basketball Ireland following five and a half years working as Sales and Operations Manager with St. Patricks Athletic in the League of Ireland. He takes up the role from Wednesday, August 21st - taking over from Philip Nolan. Stafford studied Sports Coaching and Psychology in college and has had a lifelong involvement with multiple sports, having been involved with rugby, GAA, football, also competing in two MMA bouts in his late 20s.

Learn more about hiring the National Basketball Arena

"I am delighted to join Basketball Ireland as Arena Manager. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the sport and I look forward to the challenge of bringing new and interesting events to Ireland’s leading indoor Sports Arena," said Stafford.

"I'd again like to put on record my thanks to Philip for all he did during his time as Arena Manager," said Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan. "With plans continuing to progress for the development of a new National Basketball Arena, I believe that Karl will be a very capable appointment to a role that I view as crucial to that project. I look forward to working with him closely."

If you wish to learn more about the National Basketball Arena as a venue for hire, you can see the full specifications on ireland.basketball/thearena or by contacting Karl directly on kstafford@ireland.basketball.

About The National Basketball Arena

Established in 1994, the National Basketball Arena is the home of Irish basketball, where the Irish national team play their FIBA EuroBasket and FIBA Women's EuroBasket games. It's also the home of the prestigious National Cup finals, National League finals, as well as staging many underage European tournaments.

We have also hosted a number of non-basketball events including: