Photo © Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.
Amidst speculation, Commissioner Adam Silver announced today at a press conference that the Charlotte Hornets will host the 2017 NBA All-Star game.
The 2017 All-Star game’s location was trending after reports emerged claiming that it will take place in Charlotte. After investing nearly $30 million into renovating Charlotte’s arena, Silver previously stated, “I don’t think there’s any question it’s going to happen. Just a matter of what year.” So there was some foundation for this initial report. And during today’s press conference, the commissioner decided to formally announce the decision.
“The Charlotte Hornets are a first-in-class organization in this league,” Silver said in the press conference. “It’s been amazing to see what [Michael Jordan] and this organization have done here in Charlotte over the last several years.”
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This is the first time an All-Star game has been in Charlotte since 1991. In fact, team owner Michael Jordan participated in Charlotte’s last All-Star game and, as anyone can see, played a significant role in getting another one to the city.
“What a great day for Charlotte. When I think about the times that I played here — obviously in the ’91 All-Star game — it was truly a pleasure to play in front of home,” Jordan said during the conference. “I’m looking forward to that type of attitude again.”
A key thing to note, this will be a homecoming for the league’s MVP and NBA champion Steph Curry, who grew up in the area and went to Davidson.
This past season’s All-Star game was held in New York City at the world famous Madison Square Garden. Next year’s will take place at the Toronto Raptors’ Air Canada Centre and obviously 2017 will be at Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena.
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