Brighton Bears' televised clash with Thames Valley Tigers is already breaking records.

Bears are heading towards a sell out crowd at the Brighton Centre for tomorrow's southern conference clash (2.30pm), which is being screened live on Meridian.

The bulk of a 3,000-plus crowd will be made up of season ticket holders and new fans who have secured tickets through various commercial initiatives run by the club.

But director Romek Kriwald said: "The Brighton Centre have already sold 600 tickets to advance callers coming up in ones and twos, which is unheard of.

"We have never even had half of that.

"There will be a few tickets on the door before the game but our message is for people to be in the venue an hour before tip-off if possible, especially if they do not have tickets already."

As well as the clash of the BBL rivals, fans will be able to watch a showcase wheelchair international between Great Britain and Italy, which takes place immediately after the main event.

The match will be screened on BBC's Grandstand on Saturday, December 29 (3.15pm).

Despite its friendly status, the match promises to be an entertaining affair. GB head coach Dave Titmuss thinks it will be crucial preparation for his side ahead of next March's European Championships in Holland.

Britain must finish in the top five if they are to qualify for the 2002 World Championships, which take place in Japan in late August.

The Italians achieved sixth place during the 1999 European Championships and fancy their chances of improving on that in Holland.