First match played at London 2012 Handball Arena

From 27 July to 12 August 2012 the Olympic Games will take place in London, United Kingdom. The first ever handball match has been played on the Olympic Park after the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) invited the Olympia Handball Club from Crystal Palace, south-east London, to play at the Handball Arena on Tuesday.

The club demonstrated match play under TV broadcast lighting conditions. A playing surface and goals were also installed to simulate Games-time conditions.

The Olympic Broadcast Service set up several cameras at key positions in the Handball Arena, and will review the resulting footage to provide valuable feedback to LOCOG.

The test was staged as the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) moves towards completing the construction of the 6,500-seat venue.

Alex Gavrilovic, LOCOG Handball competition manager, said: "The ODA has built a stunning venue which will provide an excellent platform for the world’s athletes to perform at their best. From a sports perspective, the lighting conditions in the Arena are perfect for handball. We’re grateful to the Olympia Handball Club athletes for their participation and contribution to the test.

Even though this was just a simulation, the athletes were keen to demonstrate the speed, physicality and excitement of handball. I can’t wait to see this Arena filled with spectators cheering for the GB teams as they make their Olympic debut."

Colin Naish, ODA Project sponsor for the Handball Arena, said: "The construction of the Handball Arena will be completed this spring. The venue is sustainably built, with natural roof lighting and a rainwater harvesting system to conserve energy and resources. Retractable seating on the lower tier means that after the Games the venue will be able to host a range of sporting and community events."

Handball tickets are currently on sale until the 26 April 2011. A total of 76 matches in 46 sessions are on offer, taking place over 16 days. To make sure you don't miss out on this exhilarating event, apply for tickets now at www.tickets.london2012.com

Find more information on the Olympic Handball Arena here.

The venue will host Handball, Goalball and Modern Pentathlon fencing at London 2012.