Contact: Mike Mahon; Mmbird1@gmail.com
LEXINGTON – The NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings will play a pre-season game in Rupp Arena on October 17 at 7:00 p.m., the Bluegrass Sports Commission (BSC) and Global Sports Management (GSM) announced today.
The game will feature the return to Lexington of former UK stars Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans along with Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus Cousins and Willie Cauley-Stein of the Sacramento Kings.
Taking place the day after UK Basketball’s annual Big Blue Madness, the game will help tip off the basketball season for Big Blue Nation and provide a unique opportunity to be a part of the excitement of NBA basketball.
“This game will highlight an exciting weekend of basketball for Kentucky fans. They can start off the weekend with Big Blue Madness on Friday and an NBA game on Saturday,” stated Brain Breslin, Vice-President of Global Sports Management. “We are excited about bringing another NBA pre-season game to Lexington and the great fans of this area”.
GSM and the BSC brought the last NBA pre-season game to Lexington in 2013 when the Pelicans played the Washington Wizards.
“We had a tremendous crowd in 2013 and we are expecting the great fans of Kentucky to come out and show their support for these former Wildcat stars and these two up and coming NBA teams “ Breslin said.
Tickets range in price from $10 – $250 and go on sale to the public Friday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. They can be purchased at the Rupp Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or www.RuppArena.com, or by calling Ticket Master at 800-745-3000
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to play at Rupp Arena again in front of the Big Blue Nation. I always look forward to going back to Kentucky and visiting with the players, coaches and fans.”
Dell Demps – General Manager, New Orleans Pelicans
“The Pelicans are looking forward to our return to Lexington to play at Rupp Arena. Basketball fans in Kentucky are always welcoming and supportive of our players, especially number 23. It’s going to be a great experience for our team in a fun atmosphere
Willie Cauley-Stein, Sacramento Kings
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play in Lexington with my Kings teammates. Rupp Arena is the home of many great memories for me and it’s a unique opportunity to experience it as a professional for the Big Blue Nation fans that made my time as a Wildcat so memorable.”
Vlade Divac – Vice President of Basketball Operations, Sacramento Kings
“We’re fortunate to bolster our preseason schedule with a contest at Rupp Arena, one of the most iconic venues in collegiate basketball. Much like Kings fans, Big Blue Nation has a special passion for the game that we look forward to sharing with them on October 17.”