iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Next year’s NBA All-Star Game will be held in New Orleans, the league announced on Friday. This marks the third time the city has hosted the game.
“New Orleans is a world-class destination for sports and entertainment and we are very appreciative that the city is once again hosting our All-Star festivities,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
The game, which will take place on Feb. 19, 2017, was originally scheduled to be played in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, the NBA moved the location because of a bill in the state that limits anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people.
“We are grateful that the NBA has selected us to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans,” Tom Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Pelicans, said in a statement. “We have made tremendous upgrades to the Smoothie King Center and know the building will be a first-class venue to host the myriad of events associated with All-Star weekend.”
The news that the Smoothie King Center has been chosen as the new venue comes amid flooding in Louisiana that has killed at least 13 people and displaced thousands from their homes.
“Even in the midst of a historic crisis, I am excited that the NBA has recognized how great the City of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana are,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said.
The NBA, along with the National Basketball Players Association, Pelicans and New Orleans Saints, will be providing “financial and other ongoing support of the flood rescue, relief and rebuilding efforts,” the league said.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
