"This event is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the arena and for fans to meet the team and get to know the Bobcats players as individuals in an off-the-court setting," said Bobcats Vice President of Community Relations LaRita Barber. "The Bobcats look forward to creating a brand for our players in Charlotte Bobcats Arena and further demonstrating our commitment to the community."

Presented and catered by Levy Restaurants, the affair featured themed food stations, live entertainment, and a variety of special presentations. National jazz and soul songstress, Sibyl Lee-English performed, including a special song written and produced by Fred Story and accompanied by students from NW School of the Arts and local choirs from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools System. Those schools included Phillip O. Berry Academy, McClintock Middle School, Olympic High School, Bradley Middle School, West Charlotte High School, Piedmont Open Middle School, Albermarle Road Middle School, Eastway Middle School and Dr. Jay M. Robinson Middle School. Another group of singers graced the stage, as eight-year veteran Brevin Knight summoned Bobcats rookies Raymond Felton, Sean May, Alan Anderson and Kevin Burleson to the stage. Rookies are often welcomed to the NBA by the vets by performing certain duties, such as carrying luggage or bringing in donuts and other food items at the discretion of the more tenured players. However, this request resulted in Felton and May singing the Star Spangled Banner, while Anderson and Burleson following that up with a Happy Birthday song to fellow teammate Kareem Rush.

"We started a tradition here that puts all of our rookie players on public display," said Knight. "Last year, Emeka (Okafor) had to get up and sing his college fight song at the tipoff banquet, and during training camp this season, we had all the first-year guys get up and perform karaoke in front of the team."

Attendees were also treated to behind-the-scenes tours of the arena, including the locker rooms and practice court. Guests were also able to share in the celebration of a special partnership announcement with Presbyterian Hospital that will benefit the health and well being of area children.

A silent auction of items was also available to guest ranging from autographed shoes from select Bobcats players, weekend getaways, ticket packages and jerseys from other star players from around the league. Proceeds from the entire event went to the Bobcats Charitable Foundation, which supports worthy non-profit organizations serving children and youth.