News DeskLondon and Abu Dhabi – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has teamed up with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to announce a thrilling lineup of NBA and WNBA legends and celebrities for the upcoming “NBA Fan Appreciation Day in Abu Dhabi” on Saturday, October 5, at the Etihad Arena. This event is part of a series of festivities, including “NBA District,” which will take place from Thursday, October 3, to Sunday, October 6, at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The fan events coincide with The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, presented by ADQ, where the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, the two most recent NBA champions, will face off in preseason games on October 4 and October 6 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
A notable lineup of NBA and WNBA legends will participate in the fan events, including Muggsy Bogues, Marcus Camby, Derek Fisher, Sylvia Fowles, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, and Mitch Richmond. Collectively, these stars have achieved an impressive 44 All-Star appearances, 12 championships, and three league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards during their illustrious careers. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning rapper 2 Chainz will perform live at both events, including an NBA Night hosted by Shaquille O’Neal on October 3.
The NBA Fan Appreciation Day, starting at 4:30 p.m. on October 5, promises a celebration of basketball with various entertainment options, featuring skills challenges and three-point contests with players from the Celtics and Nuggets, appearances by NBA team mascots, a slam dunk contest featuring professional dunkers, and live musical performances.
NBA District, an interactive fan experience celebrating basketball and popular culture, will open to the public at 1 p.m. on October 3. This event has attracted over 10,000 fans in each of the past two years. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in basketball activities on a full-size NBA court, take photos with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, purchase limited-edition NBA merchandise, receive free haircuts at the NBA Barbershop, and attend various panel sessions.
Tickets for the NBA Fan Appreciation Day are currently available at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae, with tickets for NBA District also available through ticketmaster.ae. Tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 can be purchased at the same venues, and exclusive fan experiences and accommodations can be booked at nbaexperiences.com/abudhabi.
Participating Legends:
- Muggsy Bogues: Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leader in assists and steals, drafted 12th overall in 1987.
- Marcus Camby: 1996’s second overall pick, a four-time blocked shots leader and 2006-07 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
- Derek Fisher: Five-time NBA champion with the Lakers and former head coach in both the NBA and WNBA.
- Sylvia Fowles: Two-time WNBA champion, 2017 MVP, and eight-time All-Star.
- Kevin Garnett: 2008 NBA champion, 15-time All-Star, 2004 MVP, and 2008 Defensive Player of the Year; inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Shaquille O’Neal: Four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, and 15-time All-Star; Hall of Fame inductee in 2016.
- Mitch Richmond: 2002 NBA champion, six-time All-Star, and Hall of Fame inductee in 2014.
Fans can look forward to an exhilarating weekend celebrating basketball in Abu Dhabi!
