Orlando to Host NBA All-Star 2012

The NBA All Star Weekend is 3 days of basketball action packed tight with events all leading up to the match up of the basketball’s finest.  For the second time, Orlando has been chosen as the host city for the NBA’s 61st showing of it’s signature event on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Amway Center.  It will also mark the first time an Eastern Conference city has hosted an All-Star game since Atlanta did it in 2003.  Not surprisingly, though, it’s not all fun and games!

During NBA All-Star 2012, the NBA will continue to celebrate its tradition and commitment to social responsibility with a schedule of NBA Cares events.  NBA Cares will partner with schools, government, and local nonprofit organizations in Orlando and surrounding areas to highlight the league’s grassroots and community initiatives that reach millions of young people and their parents while providing critical resources to community-based programs.  This year, the NBA partners with the City of Orlando and Keep Orlando Beautiful, and as part of the NBA’s overall greening and sustainability efforts, the NBA will offer fans the opportunity to responsibly recycle unwanted electronic products (mobile devices, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers and fax machines) at their recycling event on February 18.

The last time the All-Star Games were held in Orlando was in 1992.  The West defeated the East, 153-113, at the old Orlando Arena in a game that featured the (then) recently retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, Detroit’s Isiah Thomas and Chicago’s Michael Jordan.  This year’s game will be held at the new Amway Center which is a state-of-the-art building featuring a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design; unmatched technology, including the largest, high-definition scoreboard in an NBA venue; and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building.  This year’s roster promises not to disappoint the true sports fan, nor those who watch for pure entertainment!

While the main event of the weekend is, of course, the 2012 NBA All Star Game on Sunday, Friday’s Jam Session is a great interactive event for families.  The All Star Saturday night, I find, is great entertainment for the sports fan who enjoys the feats of athleticism that are showcased!  You know…the stuff you see on the street courts but rarely on the NBA courts!  If that’s the case, don’t forget to get your Slam Dunk Contest tickets so you can have an upfront view of the stunts as they get more and more outrageous!!  This year the question is, who can top Blake Griffin’s slam dunk over that car?!!  

Whatever your favorite, this weekend will be chock full of fun!  Many fans say that the NBA All Star Game is the most exciting sports spectacle of the year, so don’t miss out!   I don’t know what’s entailed, but volunteer opportunities are also available at: http://nba.volunteerhub.com/

For the schedule, visit:

http://www.nba.com/allstar2012/

 NBA All-Star E-Recycling — Sat, Feb 18, 2012  9am – 3pm  Orlando Festival Park  2911 East Robinson Street

NBA All Star Caravan — February 23 – 26, 2012

NBA All-Star Jam Session — Thu, Feb 23 – Sun, Feb 26, 2012  Orange County Convention Center (North Building)

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game — Fri, Feb 24, 2012  7pm   Center Court at Jam Session

NBA All-Star practice session — Sat, Feb 25, 2012  10:45am   Center Court at Jam Session

Rising Stars Challenge — Fri, Feb 24, 2012  9pm  Amway Center

NBA All-Star FIT 5k Run, Walk and Dribble — Sat, Feb 25, 2012  Lake Eola

All Star Saturday Night (includes 3-point and Slam Dunk contests) — Sat, Feb 25, 2012  8m  Amway Center

NBA 2012 ALL STAR GAME — Sun, Feb 26, 2012  7pm   Amway Center

For tickets, visit:

http://www.stubhub.com/nba-basketball-all-star-game-tickets/

http://nba-events.com/

Volunteer opportunities may be available at:

http://nba.volunteerhub.com/