Mr Križnar, the European Basketball Championship is about to begin. What is happening at the moment?

We can rest assured as far as the preparations are concerned. Although there were some fears a while ago due to the economic situation, things have developed in the right direction with the sponsors, and with tickets, as well as with our partners. We hope there are no great shocks before the championship begins, and our hard work in the past few years is rewarded by the success of the Slovenian national team.
We are entering a period of action, which means that what we have been doing for the past two and a half years is being realised in the warm-up matches. Our team has already begun preparations. Everything we planned will be tested. Many things are ready to be delivered, the reconstructed stands are in place, and the parquet has been laid. In this sense, the warm-up matches are vital, as they point to potential shortcomings. During these games, the media involvement of the event will be tested.
What are the expectations from the sporting, social, tourist and economic perspective? The European Championship in Slovenia offers more than just sporting spectacles.
We have constantly emphasised that this is a project of national importance, as it is one of the most important sporting events in the EU this year, and it has numerous multi-purpose effects. In the towns where matches are played, i.e. Ljubljana, Koper, Celje and Jesenice, the halls will be renovated to the highest international standards, which will also showcase the development of the municipalities and towns, and other sporting and cultural events. An important aspect of the championship is the popularisation of sport among the young, given that 90 games will be played by 23 foreign national teams. In addition to basketball, other events and accompanying activities will contribute to this. The promotional effects will also be strong, but difficult to measure. The information that there are 1,400 officially accredited media which will report to the world about our country and EuroBasket during the championship says a lot. The championship in Lithuania was broadcast to 162 countries worldwide. It is outstanding promotion for Slovenia to be presented to so many people. The tourist aspect is even more important, since we have to present the country as a location with a unique position with great logistical advantages. This time our small size is an advantage; 30,000 visitors will be here for a lengthy period, and it is up to us to show them a friendly welcome with open arms. If they are satisfied, they will keep coming back.
The economic perspective is important too.

Absolutely. Many influential business people will be here seeking new investments. So if we look at the big picture, the championship has many positive effects.
How will the teams, media, referees and fans, and accompanying activities be catered for?
The teams are among the most important people in the competition. We must provide them with good conditions so that they can do their job well. In this respect, accommodation is extremely important. It is similar with referees, and delegates who are involved in the competition. And we have prepared a few accompanying events, fan centres in towns, numerous events and shows for fans. The country will live and breathe the championship.
What is the system of ticket sales like? There is enormous public interest in tickets for EuroBasket 2013.
You know, it is never easy to fill the seats for 90 games. Ticket sales began in February. The prices range from four euros for the cheapest in the group from fifth to eighth place, up to 180 euros for the most expensive seats in the finals. The first round was intended for foreign basketball federations whose national teams qualified for the competition, while sales to the general public began in March. Tickets for the decisive medal games are still available. We were the first to offer tickets for each individual game and not daily ones, when fans were often left empty-handed. Tickets can be bought only through the official vendor, Eventim, or Palma Tourist Agency together with their packages. 4,000 to 5,000 tickets are available to the general public for the first round, also in Celje where the Slovenian national team will be playing; for the second round in Stožice, between 9,000 and 10,000 tickets are available. Ticket sales for the second round began on 1 April. For better availability, we have set affordable prices comparable to the previous European Championship in Lithuania. So the lowest price is only four euros for tickets of category 7 for games for placing from the fifth to eighth place. Tickets for the first round cost a minimum of 15 euros and a maximum 35 euros. Prices for the second round range from 17 to 55 euros, for the quarter-finals 19 to 75 euros and for the semi-finals from 25 to 120 euros. The finals will cost 35 to 180 euros, and prices for the third place game range from 30 to 150 euros. We think that a total of 250,000 tickets will be sold, which will generate an income of 4 to 4.5 million euros.
How many people will have been directly involved in the organisation of this magnificent event?
In addition to all the officials, approximately 1,000 volunteers will see to the undisturbed conduct of the championship. The EuroBasket 2013 company will be managing and supervising 6,000 people in various offices, organising committees in towns, among referees, delegates, healthcare workers, etc. Of course, this number does not include players or representatives of various media. During the championship, between 50 and 60 hotels around Slovenia will be full. Then there are restaurants, transportation operators and shops; in short, a lot of people will benefit one way or another from EuroBasket.
How satisfied are the representatives of the basketball federations with the halls they have seen and the general situation?
We had a meeting with all the heads of national teams, and their responses to what they saw were very positive. For three days, we drove them to all the venues, showed them all five sport halls and the hotels, and presented novelties to them. They were thrilled with our small size, which makes it easy to travel between towns. In one day, you could see three games in three different locations. They were delighted with the country, the cleanliness and security, and are all looking forward to the championship. They know we are great organisers. They know us and talk about us in superlatives. The teams, referees, delegates, VIP guests and media will be staying in 65 hotels. Each location must include at least five hotels in different categories, which we pay for. The Palma Tourist Agency has prepared special travel packages for visitors.
What financial effects do you expect from the championship?
At the end, we will draw the line and measure the results. A cost-benefit analysis will be prepared by the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana on real bases. We really must make use of the fact that we are now at the centre of attention. The period of the championship is merely the tip of the iceberg. Current team actions are very important. There will be more and more information on the championship and on what Slovenia has to offer in general. Without state support, which contributed six million euros to the account of FIBA Europe, we could not host this championship. I am convinced that the championship will generate plenty of new revenue for the state. We expect an income of between 38 and 40 million euros, five to seven million of which will go to the state. In short, the financial effect is expected to be good.
Can you tell us what you expect from the Slovenian national team?
Wishes are one thing and reality quite another. The result of the home team will significantly affect what we think of the championship. In terms of organisation, we can give it all we have, but if there is no result, everything could be ruined. The impact of our team and its results will certainly be enormous. If the placing is good, it will contribute enormously to the atmosphere. People need a positive sporting spirit which binds and unites them. My silent wish is at least for third place.