The British Judo Association has today announced that tickets for the 2011 GB World Cup are now on sale.

This year, the Echo Arena Liverpool will host the GB World Cup for men from the 1st-2nd October 2011.

It is the first time that the event, which is staged with support from UK Sport's Lottery funded World Class Events Programme, will be held in Liverpool, having been staged in Birmingham for the last five years.

The GB World Cup is a key event on the International Judo Federation World Circuit, which includes 26 tournaments in cities including Paris, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Qingdao and Abu Dhabi.  Each year the British leg alternates between Men and Women, with 2011 being a Men’s event in Liverpool.

The Circuit attracts the highest-level competitors and, with Olympic qualification ranking points also up for grabs at every event, Liverpool is predicted to attract some of the World’s best on their campaign to reach London 2012.

The British Men will also be looking to benefit from the support of a home crowd just 10 months ahead of the Games as they try and meet the standards required to secure one of the Host National Qualification spots.  Last week the British Olympic Association announced that it would give British judo players the opportunity to utilise the maximum 14 places. 

British Judo’s Chairman, Densign White, said, “The GB World Cup continues to grow and prosper and we are committed to staging the best male event in the world in 2011. 

“After passing the 500 days marker to the 2012 Olympic Games, we are really excited to be showcasing some of the talent that will likely feature in London, and in a fantastic venue for our spectators to enjoy.”

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It’s a fantastic coup for the city to be hosting an event which could have an impact on who will be part of Team GB in 2012.

“Liverpool has a proud and successful tradition of staging high-profile sporting events so it’s the perfect location to hold this prestigious Olympic qualifying event.”

Esther Nicholls, Event Consultant for UK Sport, said: “The GB World Cup in Liverpool, backed by our National Lottery funded World Class Events Programme, is one event in what we believe to be the most comprehensive pre-Games events programme ever staged by an Olympic and Paralympic host nation.

"These events are providing an invaluable opportunity for British athletes to experience international competition on home soil prior to the London Games, but also to hone the skills of key officials and to train volunteers, which is vital for building on the UK’s event hosting capabilities beyond 2012.”

Tickets go on sale on Friday 1 April @ 9am

To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults & £5 for children (under 16) .

Tickets are subject to a handling / booking fee. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.  

The BJA Member Offer is now closed.

For British Judo Club bookings with large numbers, please call Emma Taylor on 01509 631695 to take advantage of the Buy 10 get 5 free Club Offer with free goody bags and a special reward for the trip organiser (Conditions apply). Call quick before they run out!