Thursday was the final day — Game Day — for the Pacers' special guests in London. Guests had their choice of visiting world famous shopping areas - Harrods store or Covent Garden. It was the last few hours before the group would use an exciting mode of transportation to get to the game.
While most attending Thursday's game at the O2 Arena got there by car, taxi, the Underground or coach (they do NOT call buses "buses" in England; take note), the Pacers guests went in style.
PACERS IN LONDON: Complete Coverage at Pacers.com/London »
After a short bus, oops - coach - ride from the team hotel to the renowned Thames River, the group boarded a clipper for a 40- minute cruise to the arena! Along the way, despite very unseasonable snow flurries for London, the group cruised passed Big Ben and other historical landmarks in James Bond style. When they arrived at the state of the art Olympic facility, the group attended a VIP reception at the NY-LON Club inside the O2 Entertainment Complex.
Finally, it was game time. Many notables were on hand -- from former commissioner David Stern to current league boss Adam Silver, many former NBA legends, and a host of British celebrities, actors, actresses, fashion designers, singers and footballers (that would be soccer players to us). Designer Ozwald Boateng, singer Ellie Goulding, and model Leomie Anderson were on hand!
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In fact Lil Slick had a chance to spend some time with soccer legend Thierry Henry in addition to some current players from one of the most famous teams in the world, Arsenal, namely Mezut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
The game of course did not go the way anyone wanted! But it was a great trip as the Pacers expanded their brand on a global stage, bolstered the continued efforts of the NBA to grow the sport of basketball internationally and helped central Indiana business partners solidify relationships and business opportunities in the United Kingdom!
Pacers owner Herb Simon, who was a gracious host all week to everyone, has always maintained that the Pacers are about, "winning and serving community."
For this week at least that community was extended to Great Britain.
The Pacers traveling party was up early Friday for the trip back. But, don't forget we have a home game Monday afternoon!
See you there! Even if you do come by coach! Or bus!!! Or clipper!!!
Cheers!