Washington D.C. Native Scheduled to Perform as Part of Open Scrimmage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards will host the team’s 2012 Fan Fest featuring D.C. native and Wizards superfan Wale on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Verizon Center. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public. One of the rising stars in the music industry, Wale’s second studio album Ambition opened at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. He has been nominated for BET Hip Hop and Soul Train awards, winning in 2011 for his single No Hands. Born in Washington, D.C., Wale attended Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
“I am an avid sports fan who is very passionate about our DC teams and to be officially involved with the Wizards is a blessing. I am overjoyed that our team is returning to the court and can’t wait to see them compete this season. Fan Fest will be a great opportunity to get our fans excited about this team and this season. I am confident that Ted Leonsis, myself and the entire Wizards organization can create something special for this event that will set that tone for more great things to come this year.” #TeamAmbition
Wizards’ team mascot G-Man and the Secret Service dunkers will kick off the night with a performance featuring high-energy acrobatic dunks, followed by a performance by Wale, introduction of the players and a Wizards intrasquad team scrimmage. In addition, fans will be able to participate in interactive games and take pictures with members of the Bullets & Wizards Alumni Association and the Wizard Girls. There will be numerous prize giveaways, with five lucky fans getting the chance to win tickets to the Wizards’ opening night on December 26 against the New Jersey Nets following a half-court shot contest with Wizards players. The carnival atmosphere on the concourse will feature face painters, balloon artists, magicians and much more. Free popcorn and soda will be provided to all courtesy of the Washington Wizards and the event will include autograph items for fans. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a souvenir credential and lanyard in the Wizards’ new red, white and blue color scheme.
“We are excited to present what promises to be a memorable Fan Fest,” said Wizards Executive Vice President of Business Operations Greg Bibb. “The event will feature a variety of entertainment elements, giveaways, games and fun. All of this will be headlined by the introduction of the 2011-12 Washington Wizards, featuring the new look of the team, and a special performance by D.C.’s own Wale. It will be a night of celebration as we tip off the new season and we are pleased to present this special event free of charge as our thank you to some of the best fans in the NBA.”
Season tickets, partial plans and group tickets are currently available by calling the Wizards sales office at 202-661-5050 or by visiting www.washingtonwizards.com. The Wizards will pay all convenience fees for individual tickets purchased from Wednesday, December 14, at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, December 21, at 11:59 p.m. For individual game tickets, please call Ticketmaster at 202-397-SEAT or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
The NBA’s Washington Wizards are owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The company also owns and operates the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and Verizon Center, the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment also oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex– the training facility for the Washington Capitals and the Patriot Center arena at George Mason University.