Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and NBA announce ticket availability for fan events featuring NBA legends.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have revealed that tickets for the inaugural NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi and the return of NBA District are now available for purchase.
These exciting events, featuring appearances by NBA legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Hardaway Sr., Gary Payton, and Kenny Smith, are part of an expanded series of fan activations coinciding with the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Presented by ADQ. These games will see the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves face off in two preseason matches on Thursday, 5th October, and Saturday, 7th October, at 20:00 GST at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The inaugural NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi is scheduled for Friday, 6th October, starting at 16:30 GST at Etihad Arena. This ultimate fan experience will feature appearances by Mavericks and Timberwolves players, as well as NBA legends, including 19-time NBA All-Star and six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Activities will include a skills challenge and three-point contest with Mavericks and Timberwolves players, performances by the Mavericks Entertainment Team, the Timberwolves Dunk Team, and the team mascots, along with a slam dunk contest featuring professional dunkers.
“NBA Fan Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to experience a live authentic NBA experience for fans of all ages,” said Kenny Smith. “With all the in-game entertainment elements, as well as competitions and opportunities for fans to get involved and win prizes, it promises to be a fun-packed night of NBA fun and a great way to see your favorite players and, of course, former players!”
NBA District, an interactive fan event that welcomed nearly 10,000 fans last year, will return to Manarat Al Saadiyat from Thursday, 5th October, to Sunday, 8th October. Fans will have the chance to meet five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr. and nine-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion Gary Payton. They can participate in basketball activities on a full-size NBA court, watch NBA highlights and programming, take photos with the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, purchase limited-edition NBA merchandise, and more.
“Fans will not want to miss NBA District,” said Gary Payton. “This will be my first time in Abu Dhabi, and I am really looking forward to meeting fans and interacting with all of the fun NBA elements in what will be a 360-degree immersive experience.”
