On Oct. 8, the Pacers will play the Denver Nuggets at Taipei Arena in Taipei, Taiwan. The game in Taipei is the fourth preseason game the NBA has announced that will be played outside the United States and Canada this October. To date, the NBA has staged a total of 93 games outside of the U.S. and Canada in 31 cities in 16 countries and territories.
“I think this is a great opportunity for our franchise and hopefully recognition from the NBA of the team we are building, the way we play and the effort that our players put forth,” said Pacers President of Basketball Larry Bird. “Having been to Europe as a player with the Celtics and later as part of the U.S. Olympic Team, it’s a great opportunity to promote our game and create new fans of the Pacers. The Far East loves the NBA and for us to be a part of this trip is an important milestone for the Pacers.”
In 1996, the Pacers played Seattle in Berlin, Germany, and Seville, Spain.
Additionally, the Pacers are pleased to announce that the Indiana Pacemates have been chosen by the NBA to participate in the NBA Jam Van China Tour. As part of the Jam Van China Tour, the Pacemates will travel to China and tour the country with the NBA Jam Van and the OPPO University Challenge. While in China, the Pacemates will perform dance routines, interact with fans and make appearance at various partner hospitality functions and media events.
The Pacemates will leave Indianapolis June 23 to travel to Ji’Nan, followed by stops in Qing’Dao and Beijing. They will return to Indiana on July 6. Fans can follow their journey by checking Pacers.com for photos and a blog by Pacemates Coordinator/Choreographer Michelle Duggan.
“It’s an honor for the Pacers to have the NBA choose our franchise for these opportunities in this important part of the world,” said Jim Morris, President of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “We are extremely excited to introduce the Pacers’ brand of basketball to the fans in Taiwan and the Pacemates to the fans in China.”