Listen Live
PraiseIndy Featured Video
CLOSE

According to the bellereport.com

NBA Announces New Orleans As Host For 2014 All-Star Game, Weekend

 

2008 NBA All-Star Game in New OrleansThe NBA announced this week, via an official press release, that New Orleans has been awarded hosting duties for the 63rd NBA All-Star Game and weekend festivities.

 

Going down February 16, 2013, the game will be played at New Orleans Arena, home of the Hornets, pending the completion of arena and hotel agreements. It will be the second time that NBA All-Star will be hosted in New Orleans, having previously been held in the “Crescent City” in 2008.

 

“There is no better place to celebrate and showcase the NBA than in New Orleans, a city with a rich tradition of hosting major events that is second-to-none,” said Stern. “Our 2008 NBA All-Star festivities proved a terrific experience for everyone involved, and we anticipate 2014 will be even better.”

A week-long celebration, NBA All-Star showcases NBA players’ passion for basketball, engagement with fans, commitment to community and respect for the history and tradition of the game.

 

“I have always taken great pride in our city hosting Super Bowls. I don’t think any city does it better than New Orleans,” said Saints owner Tom Benson. “With the NBA, we get the unique opportunity from time to time to host the NBA All-Star Game, which has proven to be one of the highlights of the NBA season and will be a highlight for our city in 2014. I thank Commissioner Stern for making this announcement today and once again proving how much he believes in the city of New Orleans. In February 2013, we will host the Super Bowl. In February 2014, we will host the NBA All-Star Game. The city of New Orleans is the place to be. Hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact will be generated for our region in these back-to-back February events. We could not be more pleased.”

 

NBA All-Star competitions begin on Friday, February 14, as the league’s top rookies and second-year players square off in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. Then, following events include the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest, and the high-flying Sprite Slam Dunk contest. Of course, the actual 63rd NBA All-Star Game will then come on Sunday, beginning with the Sprint Pre-game Concert.

 

In 2008, the last time All-Star Weekend was in the Nola, LeBron James captured All-Star MVP honors in a 134-128 victory for the Eastern Conference. James tallied 27 points, including a thunderous drive-and-dunk in the final minute, to secure the award.