NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, left, speaks as Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan, right, listens during a news conference, Tuesday, June 23, 2015, to announce Charlotte, N.C., as the site of the 2017 NBA All-Star basketball game. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
NBA’s most glamorous event is set to return to Charlotte and its greatest player ever is again on the forefront of the festivities.
The league said in a statement the 66th annual spectacle will take place at Time Warner Cable Arena, home of the Charlotte Hornets, on Feb. 19, 2017. It marks the second time the city of Charlotte would host the event.
Charlotte first hosted the event in 1991 with Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan leading all scorers, finishing with 26 points while still playing with the Chicago Bulls.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement on Tuesday (American Eastern time) with Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman Trevor Fuller, Hornets President & COO Fred Whitfield, and Jordan joining him.
“As a thriving city with a proud basketball tradition and a deep passion for the game, the city of Charlotte is a terrific All-Star destination,” said Silver. “We thank Michael Jordan, the Hornets organization and the Charlotte community for their support and congratulate them on bringing our All-Star festivities back to North Carolina.”
Jordan said hosting the yearly event is an “honor” for him, especially as it all came full circle for him after playing in the event in his home state of North Carolina.
“It is an honor to bring NBA All-Star back to Charlotte,” Jordan said. “I remember the excitement of playing in the 1991 All-Star Game, the first one held in my home state, and I take pride in being able to host NBA All-Star 2017 as the owner of the Hornets. This is a great moment for our fans, our city, and our franchise.”
All-Star Weekend will start on Feb. 17 with the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge with the NBA’s top rookies and sophomores competing in a U.S.A vs. World format.
On Feb. 18 will be the All-Star Saturday Night with WNBA and NBA legends joining the NBA stars for other events.
All-Star Saturday Night will include teams of WNBA players, NBA players, and NBA legends; the Taco Bell Skills Challenge where top guards go head-to-head in passing and shooting drills; the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest where the league’s top shooters duke it out; and the Slam Dunk Contest where the NBA’s best take flight.
Just before the All-Star Game, Charlotte will also be treated to the Sprint Pregame Concert.
“We are thrilled to be named the host of NBA All-Star 2017,” said Mayor Clodfelter. “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Charlotte internationally as a city that excels as host to a variety of large-scale sports, entertainment, and arts events. We look forward to working with the Hornets and our other partners to give the ‘Queen City’ welcome to the many team representatives, visitors, and residents who will participate in the All-Star 2017 festivities.” CFC