NBA star to build sports complex

VILNIUS - The construction of the largest sports and entertainment center in Lithuania will start this fall in Vilnius, on a plot of land between Ukmerges and Upes streets belonging to former NBA basketball player Sarunas Marciulionis. Investment in the massive complex is planned to reach $10 million.

Marciulionis, the owner of the Sarunas Hotel and the initiator and co-owner of the future sports and entertainment center, to be called the Forum Palace, is convinced that the investment will bear fruit.

"We can judge from both surveys and personal experience that Vilnius needs a modern entertainment complex. The existing centers fail to meet the demand on this market. Our idea to concentrate all kinds of services, ranging from aerobics, a swimming pool, bowling, and children's entertainment to conference halls, restaurants, terrace cafés and discos, in one place will be implemented. It will be a success," Marciulionis said.

Part of the complex will also be set aside for gambling. Preliminary agreements have been concluded with foreign operators of gambling houses.

The construction of the Forum Palace, which will be a four-story building occupying a space of 10,000 square meters, will last 14 or 15 months.