The Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, will hold its first competition in August. The official launch will take place August 13-16, with the facility hosting a leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour.

The brainchild of Jan Tops, Olympic gold medallist and founder and president of Longines Global Champions Tour, the state-of-the-art facility will receive international high-profile guests, including members of Royal Families and global business leaders, for the official opening ceremony.

Tops said, “Sport, entertainment and lifestyle are the core elements of Tops International Arena and I am proud that a lifelong vision and aspiration has become reality. This new facility is about sport, whether it is world class sport at the highest level or about training the talented stars of the future. But it is also about entertainment and fun, culture and art, haute cuisine and style and a great day out for families and friends and I hope everyone will come and enjoy this special place in Europe.”

The facility includes two sets of grandstands overlooking the main competition arena, which feature gravity-defying free-standing wooden roofs and will seat around 3,000 people. In the elegant Place de Concours visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of smart shopping outlets, champagne bar and delicious food and beverages.

Tickets are available on www.globalchampionstour.com for the inaugural Tops International Arena.