LILLE/BERLIN/MONTPELLIER/RIGA/ZAGREB (EuroBasket 2015) - Preparations ahead of EuroBasket 2015 are in full swing with only 30 days left to tip-off in the biggest basketball event in Europe this year. 

Preparation games have begun across the continent as coaches look to trim their squads to the final 12 players who get on the plane to Berlin, Montpellier, Riga or Zagreb - the four host cities of the Group Phase.

However, it is not just the players who will be making the trip, with ticket sales also strong. 50% of total tickets have been sold, with 13 games across the four venues already sold out.

That amounts to nearly 400,000 tickets, more than double for any other EuroBasket event in history.

The media presence is also significant, with over 1,200 accredited media and broadcasts in over 160 countries.

"The countdown to what promises to be the most exciting EuroBasket in memory has begun," FIBA Europe President Turgay Demirel said. "Our host cities are ready, the teams are in training camp, and the world's best basketball players are getting ready to secure their place in European basketball history."

"Organising an event of this magnitude across four countries has not come without its challenges," commented FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak. "However, we are now seeing the fruits of our labour begin to blossom and everyone involved in the planning and organisational aspects are ready and excited for opening day tip-off."

Frenkie, the official EuroBasket 2015 mascot, is also increasing his activities as the big day draws nearer. In August, Frenkie and the Nikolai Semashko Trophy will make stops in 14 of the countries competing in EuroBasket 2015, as the EuroBasket Trophy Tour comes to a conclusion in Cologne, Germany on 30 August.

Go to eurobasket2015.org for complete coverage of EuroBasket 2015.

FIBA