CHARLOTE, N.C. — The city of Charlotte will host the 2019 NBA All-Star game, according to a news release.
Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement:
βWe are thrilled the league has awarded NBA All-Star 2019 to the city of Charlotte. Β We want to thank Commissioner Silver for his leadership throughout this process and for the decision to bring NBA All-Star back to Buzz City. All-Star Weekend is an international event that will provide a tremendous economic impact to our community while showcasing our city, our franchise and our passionate Hornets fan base to people around the world. We look forward to serving as hosts for NBA All-Star 2019 and welcoming all visitors and guests to Spectrum Center.β
The City of Charlotte posted the following tweet on their Twitter account:
The three-day event will he held February 15th-17th at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.
Charlotte was originally selected to host the 2017 All-Star game but the NBA moved the game to New Orleans following the passage of House Bill 2, a controversial law that was labeled as being discriminatory against LGBT individuals.
Governor Roy Cooper released the following statement:
βTodayβs NBA announcement is positive news for Charlotte. Hosting the All-Star Game will pump millions of dollars into our economy and provide an incredible showcase for our state, but it will also remind us of the work that remains to ensure equal rights and protections for all North Carolinians. Iβm glad the NBA recognizes the progress weβve made and will continue to be a partner as we push for statewide LGBT protections.”
The City of Charlotte and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released statements on the announcement.
βThe City of Charlotte is excited to welcome the NBA All-Star Game to the Queen City in 2019. The NBA and its fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm, and weβre thrilled to build on their energy by showcasing all that Charlotte has to offer. We look forward to continued cooperation with our world-class partners, including the NBA, as we work together for a successful, enjoyable All-Star Game.β
– Sandy DβElosua Vastola Charlotte Communications & Marketing Director
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βFor three decades, the NBA has had a home in Charlotte. Generations of families have attended games there, and fans from many different walks of life have come together to share a passion for a team that is an anchor in the community.
We have decided to award NBA All-Star 2019 to Charlotte based on this deep connection and the belief that we can honor our shared values of equality and inclusion, and we are excited to bring the All-Star Game back to Charlotte for the first time in 28 years.
While we understand the concerns of those who say the repeal of HB2 did not go far enough, we believe the recent legislation eliminates the most egregious aspects of the prior law. Additionally, it allows us to work with the leadership of the Hornets organization to apply a set of equality principles to ensure that every All-Star event will proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies. All venues, hotels and businesses we work with during All-Star will adhere to these policies as well.
Sports have a long history of helping to change attitudes around important social issues. We believe holding our All-Star activities in Charlotte will be a powerful way for the NBA to continue this tradition.β
– NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
