Date Night Ideas in London: A Night at the Basketball

Most date nights in London follow the same script: a restaurant, a bar, maybe a film. They're easy, but they can feel predictable, and a first or second date at a quiet table puts a lot of pressure on the conversation. A live basketball game changes the shape of the evening. There's always something happening, something to react to and something to talk about afterwards. This page explains why a game makes a good date, how to choose seats for two, and how to plan the rest of the evening around it.

Why a basketball game makes a great date

• Conversation comes easily. A shared focus takes the pressure off. You react together, explain plays to each other and have plenty to talk about over dinner.
• It's lively without being loud all the time. The breaks between quarters and at half-time give you time to chat.
• It's a manageable length. A game takes around two hours from doors opening to the final buzzer, leaving time for dinner before or drinks after.
• It works whatever the weather. The Copper Box is fully indoor and seated.
• It's memorable. A close finish or a crowd on its feet makes a better story than another restaurant.

You don't need to be a basketball fan to enjoy it. The scoring is fast and constant, and most people pick up the basics within a quarter. If either of you is new to the game, our guide to your first London Lions game explains what happens on the night and the rules in two minutes.

Choosing seats for two

The seating at the Copper Box wraps closely around the court, so every area gives a good view. The choice depends on the kind of evening you want.

Book two seats together on Ticketmaster through the London Lions tickets page. Prices vary by game and seat, so check the fixture you want before you book.

First dates

A game is a low-pressure first date. You're side by side rather than across a table, there's no awkward silence, and the evening has a natural end. Lower-tier seats keep you close to the action, and a drink at the arena bar before tip-off gives you time to talk first.

Anniversaries and special occasions

For an anniversary or a birthday, courtside seats put you at the edge of the court, close enough to hear the players and coaches. Pair the game with a dinner reservation nearby for a full evening out.

A note on timing

Most men's home games are in the evening, which suits a date night, and some fall on weekend afternoons. Most are at the Copper Box Arena, but some are played at NCC Hackney, so always check the venue on the fixture list and your ticket before you travel. Check the club's fixture list for tip-off times before you plan dinner.

Dinner and drinks nearby

The Copper Box sits in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, between two of east London's busiest food and drink areas.

Hackney Wick

Hackney Wick, on the west side of the park, is a few minutes' walk from the arena. It's known for canal-side bars, breweries and independent restaurants in converted warehouses. Hackney Bridge, on the Hackney Wick side of the park, has food stalls and a bar, which suits a relaxed pre-game bite.

Westfield Stratford City

Westfield Stratford City is a short walk on the Stratford side of the park, with a wide choice of restaurants and bars under one roof. It's easy to book, and it's convenient for the journey home from Stratford station.

Inside the arena

Food and drink are on sale at bars and kiosks inside the Copper Box, which is cashless. You can't bring in your own food or drink.

Planning the evening

Getting there and home

The Copper Box is at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 3HB. Hackney Wick station is about a five-minute walk away, and Stratford about 15 minutes on foot. Stratford has the most lines and the most frequent services after the game. Our guide to getting to the Copper Box Arena covers every route.

What to bring

• Your tickets on your phone
• A small bag, roughly A4 size or smaller, because every bag is searched and there's no bag storage
• A card or phone to pay, because the arena is cashless

A tip for a smooth evening

Only the person who bought the tickets can collect them from the box office, with photo ID and the card used to pay. If you're organising the date, keep the e-tickets on your phone.

Make it more than one evening

If the first game goes well, there's more to explore together. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is free to enter, with riverside walks, the ArcelorMittal Orbit and its tunnel slide, and the East Bank cultural quarter, home to V&A East and Sadler's Wells East. Plan a weekend afternoon in the park followed by an evening game. For the park's latest events, see the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park visitor guide.

London Lions women play home games at NCC Hackney in Hoxton, a smaller venue with a closer-up atmosphere and unallocated seating. A women's game makes a different kind of date, often at weekends.

For more ideas across London, see What's On in London.

Date ideas through the seasons

The basketball season runs through autumn, winter and spring, which is when many outdoor date ideas stop working. A game gives you a reliable plan on dark, wet evenings, and the park and canals are still there for a walk when the weather allows.

Other date ideas nearby

• The ArcelorMittal Orbit, for views over east London and a tunnel slide
• The East Bank cultural quarter, home to V&A East and Sadler's Wells East
• A swim at the London Aquatics Centre, the 2012 Olympic pool
• Street food at Hackney Bridge

Keeping it relaxed

If you're not sure your date will enjoy basketball, suggest it as part of an evening rather than the whole plan: a drink, the game and dinner. The breaks between quarters and at half-time give you time to talk, and the energy of the crowd does the rest.

A tip for the journey home

Check your last train before the game. Stratford has the most lines and the most frequent services, and a short drink nearby lets the crowds clear before you travel.

1. London Lions — Tickets (including group bookings)
2. London Lions — Frequently asked questions
3. London Lions — Copper Box Arena
4. Copper Box Arena — Find us
5. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — Plan your visit

This article was checked against the sources above. Fixtures, prices and venue arrangements can change, so always check the latest details on the London Lions website before you travel.