I AM often surprised by the amount of people that don’t realise Worcester has a new purpose-built sports arena.

Working just a stone’s throw from the University Arena in Hylton Road, I have seen the venue take shape over the past couple of years, rising from the ashes of a former fruit and veg market.

But, despite it being clad in the same garish gold as the Hive, I have spoken to plenty who have never heard of it, let alone seen it.

Quite amazing, considering it has staged two high profile fixtures in recent times, attracting in the region of 4,000 spectators.

Last Friday, it was full to its 2,000-capacity for an international netball series clash between England and South Africa, which was also broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Similarly, it played host to netball’s Superleague Grand Final in May, the first major event to be held at the arena since it was opened.

Netball might not be everyone’s cup of tea but occasions such as this can only be good for Worcester and continue to raise the profile of both the city and its latest sporting structure.

That should continue over the weeks and months to come as it stages matches for the Worcester Wolves basketball team.

At a cost of £15million, the arena has not come cheap, but the more people who watch matches there will hopefully prove money very well spent.