The NBA All-Star Game returns to the Crescent City.
In a few short weeks, the NBA All-Star Game will descend on New Orleans for the second time in six years. NBA All-Star is known for the myriad celebrities, parties and festive activities leading up to the game itself. Much like our city was last year preparing to host Super Bowl XLVII, the national media will be at our front door once again, and New Orleans will be placed on an international stage.
“New Orleans is a top destination for large sporting events like NBA All-Star,” said Patrick Sullivan, NBA Vice President of Events. “With everything from restaurants, hotels and nightlife situated within walking distance of the New Orleans Arena and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, it was a natural fit to return to the city this year. We had a great time in 2008 and are looking forward to bringing fans another exciting experience in 2014.”
Cornerstone Events
While tickets to the actual 2014 NBA All-Star Game may be hard to come by, there are a host of events and activities designed to make locals, tourists and families feel like they are a part of the NBA experience — most notably the NBA Jam Session. This 500,000-square-foot basketball amusement park, housed within the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is a place where fans of all ages can shoot, slam, dribble and drive to the basket all day, compete with friends in skill challenges, and collect free autographs from NBA and WNBA players and legends. Jam Session allows fans to create their own All-Star experience when it opens on Feb. 14. Tickets start at $10 and are available at ticketmaster.com/nbaallstar2014.
The Convention Center also is home to this year’s NBA All-Star celebrity game. Previous celebrity participants have included Kevin Hart, Common, J. Cole, Master P, Terrell Owens and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Also taking place in the Convention Center are East and West team practices. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Arena will house the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge (formerly known as the Rookie-Sophomore Game), which showcases the young stars of the NBA on Feb. 14.
In 2008, here in New Orleans, the NBA added NBA Cares Day of Service to their official schedule of weekend programming. Also on Feb. 14, NBA players, coaches and executives will fan out to various service projects across the Crescent City.
Economic Impact
Tourism is the No. 1 industry in the city of New Orleans. It accounts for 78,000 jobs in our city. One out of every five New Orleanians works in a tourism-related field. The 2014 NBA All-Star Game is projected to bring 40,000 visitors to the city, representing a $90 million economic impact.
All-Star Week
When the NBA is in town from Feb. 13 – Feb. 16, there will be an exciting event for everyone. The All-Star game tips off on Sunday the 16th, but don’t miss all of the other exciting experiences to be had at the Convention Center. Fans of all ages will love what the NBA has in store, from meet-and-greets with legendary players to interactive activities that will make you feel like a star.
To learn more about all of the events and the big game, visit nba.com/allstar.