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NBA ALL-STAR GAME
Where?
The 2010 NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 14, at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
When?
One weekend in February.
Significance:
And you thought red versus blue was only reserved for the political realm. The premier players in the National Basketball Association’s Eastern and Western Conferences have come together every year since March 2, 1951. The NBA All-Star game is a basketball fan’s ultimate fantasy with once-a-year dream matchups pitting the best that the NBA has to offer.
Picking the Players and Coaches
The starting roster is selected by fan ballot while the reserves are picked by the coaches of each conference. Selecting the players they coach is forbidden. The replacement of injured players falls upon the NBA Commissioner.
The coaches are selected based upon the team that has the most wins in its conference through the Sunday two weeks before the game. The only exception to that rule is that the same coach cannot coach a team in consecutive seasons. Thank Pat Riley for that. The Los Angeles Lakers’ dominance throughout the eighties resulted in repeat All-Star coaching appearances for the legendary coach, creating the need for what is now known as the “Riley Rule.” When that duplication occurs, the coach with the second-best record is offered the All-Star skipper nod.
Flash and Substance
With the All-Star Game serving as a showcase for the NBA, the glitz and glamour is ramped up to the extreme. Each All-Star is given his own introduction with lighting, music, and the always-popular pyrotechnics. A major recording artist is selected to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the musical performances continue in an expanded halftime show. Special uniforms are designed (red for Western, blue for Eastern). No, it is not Wrestlemania. It is the pageantry of the NBA All-Star Game.
The pageantry continues during game play with NBA stars showing what they do best with a few slam dunks and alley oops mixed in for good measure. The competitive nature is downplayed, unless the score is close in the fourth quarter. Then, the substance outweighs the flash and these guys get to work.
Who attends?
Basketball fans of all ages.
Tickets:
For primary ticket access information, consider:
www.nba.com.
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.com
On-Site Events:
NBA All-Star Weekend is more than just the game played on Sunday. The days leading up to it include many major events.
NBA All-Star Jam Session: An interactive theme park of basketball greets fans for a true hands-on experience. Those eighteen years or older can join the Jam Session MVP Volunteer Team. As basketball ambassadors, the volunteers welcome and work with fans of all ages. Their job is to enhance the overall Jam Session experience and make a few dreams come true. Volunteers receive limited-edition NBA gear and the chance to win tickets to the game.
NBA All-Star Practice: Get a sneak peek at the stars with a view that is touted as better than a courtside seat. Access like this comes once in a lifetime. When you are not taking pictures of your favorite superstars, cheer them on as they prepare for the big game.
Slam Dunk Contest: Perhaps the most popular and high-profile special event. Athleticism combines with creativity as the NBA’s best dunkers fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Plus, they can travel and double-dribble to their hearts content.
Three-Point Shootout: The best of the three-point shooters have five opportunities from five different places around the three-point line. A shot equals one point. The last ball from each section, nicknamed the “money ball,” is worth two points. The highest score wins.
Skills Challenge: Combines timed dribbling, shooting, and passing. Showmanship takes a backseat to agility and quickness.
Shooting Stars Competition: A diverse mini-All-Star Team is composed of a retired NBA legend, a current player, and a WNBA star. They represent their respective cities in a shooting competition. This event replaced the longtime Legends Classic.
Celebrity All-Star Game: While not athletes, famous actors and performers take to the court to compete in their own East versus West competition. To make it a bit more competitive and exciting, each “all-star” team gets one WNBA player.
D-League All-Star Game: The minor league of the NBA is allowed to show their stuff, giving fans another glimpse into what could become the league’s future.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.com
Premiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.com
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
The NBA All-Star Game is a matchup where individual offensive talent shines. This event is not for those that want to see a great defensive battle. No matter what arena is hosting the event, secure a seat where you can watch both sides of the court. Lower level, between the baskets is ideal. But remember, the All-Star Game is the main event of a weekend filled with other activities that allow fans to enjoy their favorite players.
Those events include:
NBA All-Star Jam Session
NBA All-Star Practice
Slam Dunk Contest
Three-Point Shootout
Skills Challenge
Shooting Stars Competition
Celebrity All-Star Game
Rookie Challenge
D-League All-Star Game
Best place to get up close:
Out of all the events, the Slam Dunk contest is the most popular and competitive. The sports media gives this competition almost as much coverage as the game itself. The “must see” event places a spotlight on the best of the best in NBA dunkers. This is your chance to see your favorite star performing solo.
Best travel tip:
See a side of the NBA that is not about million-dollar players, but a love for the game. Launched in 2007, the D-League All-Star Game is growing in popularity and prominence as a preview for what is coming to the NBA in the future. This one is for basketball fans who want to see the next surprise story in the making.
Notable Quotes:
“One of the greatest honors besides winning the (NBA) Championship, is playing at the NBA All-Star Weekend. You get to see great players and you get to play with those great players.”—MAGIC JOHNSON, former Los Angeles Laker
“For the players, playing in the All-Star Game is special. When you know that everyone in the world is watching. If you’re a high school player, you’re watching the NBA All-Star Game. If you’re a college player, you’re watching the NBA All-Star Game. If you’re a pro player, no matter what you say, you’re watching the game. The entire basketball world is watching.”—CHARLES BARKLEY, former NBA player
Relevant Websites: