2014 NBA ALL-STAR HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES EVENT CO-CHAIRSRita Benson LeBlanc and Avery Johnson to Serve as Ambassadors for New Orleans NBA All-Star Game
November 12, 2013
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans NBA All-Star Host Committee and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation officially welcomed All-Star co-chairs Avery Johnson, ESPN, and Rita Benson LeBlanc, Vice Chairman, New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints, at a press conference today. New Orleans locals LeBlanc and Johnson will serve as ambassadors for the 63rd NBA All-Star game coming to the New Orleans Arena on Feb. 16, 2014.
“As an organization, the Pelicans are thrilled to be the host team for the 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend and I am proud to co-chair the host committee with Avery Johnson, who, as a New Orleans native, knows there is no better host city in the World,” said Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc. “In addition to the events of the weekend, the economic impact and international spotlight on New Orleans are incredible opportunities for the city and region. We look forward to having basketball fans locally and from around the world visit New Orleans for All-Star Weekend and enjoy everything that the City and newly-renovated New Orleans Arena have to offer.”
“The NBA All-Star Game is a celebration of unparalleled magnitude, and I am honored to serve as an ambassador for my hometown and for the sport of basketball at an event that brings fans and locals together.” said Avery Johnson, 2014 NBA All-Star Co-Chair.
The 2014 NBA All-Star Game will mark the second time that New Orleans has hosted the event. All-Star events will kick off on Friday, Feb. 14, with the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and continue throughout the weekend with NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, the Sprint Pre-Game Concert, and the 63rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 16. Additionally, fans can enjoy the NBA All-Star Jam Session, the world’s largest interactive basketball theme park at The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, as well as a full schedule of NBA Cares events aimed at giving back to the Greater New Orleans community.
For more information about the 2014 NBA All-Star Game and for a complete schedule of events, visit www.nba.com.
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About Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (GNOSF) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on the Greater New Orleans area. Since 1988, the GNOSF has turned a $50 million investment, from public and private sources, into a $1.7 billion economic impact. For more information on the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, visit www.gnosports.com.
About NBA All-Star 2014
NBA All-Star 2014 in New Orleans will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. The 63rd NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16, at the New Orleans Arena, will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for the 12th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports' 30th year of All-Star coverage. Other events at NBA All-Star will include State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, NBA Development League All-Star Game, Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and NBA All-Star Jam Session.