Intro:

With the start of the 2012 Olympic Games now just weeks away the venues that will host thousands of spectators and visitors - as well as the competing athletes - stand ready for action.

The 2012 Olympic Basketball Arena is one of the largest-ever temporary venues built for any Games and, as well as the basketball, will also host the handball semi-finals and final.

Script:

The London 2012 Basketball Arena sits ready at the Olympic Park in Stratford, London - only weeks away from its debut on the global stage as a venue for the 2012 Summer Games.

The venue was the fourth to be completed more than a year ahead of the Games and is one of the quickest venues to finish construction.

The Basketball Arena is one of the largest temporary venues ever used for an Olympic and Paralympic Games and will be dismantled after the Games to be reused elsewhere.

Initial works on site began in October 2009, with work to erect the 1,000-tonne steel frame starting in March 2010.

The venue was completed on budget.

During the 2012 Games, Basketball preliminary matches and Women's quarter finals will be staged at the Arena, in addition to the Handball men's quarter finals, all semi finals and medal matches. It will also host Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby during the Paralympic Games