National Basketball Retired Players Association unveils 2014 All Star Schedule

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the only Association comprised of NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA alumni, today announced details for its public events and activities during NBA All-Star 2014 in New Orleans, February 13-16. The NBRPA’s very full agenda of community service and community engagement is highlighted by multiple youth basketball and life skills clinics, as well as a public Legends of Basketball Gala at Harrah’s New Orleans on February 15. All-access passes to the Legends All-Star Weekend can be purchased at: LegendsofBasketball.com/allaccess or by calling the NBRPA office at 312-913-9400.
 
“The NBRPA and its members are proud and honored to be an integral part of NBA All-Star 2014 in New Orleans February 13-16,” said Arnie D. Fielkow, President & Chief Executive Officer for the NBRPA.  “Working in conjunction with the NBA and partners such as Harrah’s New Orleans, we have planned a number of star-studded, fun community and philanthropic events for our members and the public alike. As the former Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans City Council President, I am personally thrilled to return to my adopted hometown for All-Star Weekend.”
 
The NBRPA will once again stage a marquee event for All-Star Weekend, in conjunction with the NBA, on Sunday, Feb. 16, when the NBRPA hosts the 15th Annual Legends Brunch featuring TNT’s Ernie Johnson as master of ceremonies at the New Orleans Convention Center. The Legends Brunch will be broadcast on NBA-TV and seen in more than 50 million households.
 
The weekend’s social schedule for the NBRPA’s Legends of Basketball includes several exclusive, ticketed events (see full schedule below). The open-to-the-public (ticket purchase required) gala at Harrah’s New Orleans promises to deliver plenty of excitement to fans with a theater full of former basketball stars, mixed in with great food and iconic New Orleans music and entertainment.

From a philanthropic standpoint, the NBRPA will conduct a free basketball clinic and youth summit on February 15 in the Hurricane Katrina-decimated Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans alongside current NBA players. In addition, the NBRPA will conduct youth basketball clinics for local military families on February 13 at Federal City, participate in the NBA’s Day of Service on February 14 and visit Children’s Hospital of New Orleans on February 15.

For basketball fans looking to rub shoulders with the great players in basketball history, the NBRPA recently announced a very special program that will put direct philanthropic dollars for youth into the New Orleans community. The NBRPA, a 501(c)3 charitable organization in itself, will raise funds for the New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, as well as its own Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Fund, with the sale of Legend All-Access Passes for All-Star Weekend with the Legends. Only 100 passes will be made available and basketball fans, corporations and consumers are encouraged to act soon to take advantage of this first-of-its-kind opportunity. Call 312-913-9400 or visit LegendsofBasketball.com/allaccess for more information or to reserve your spot with the Legends.
 
“The NORD Foundation is delighted to be working with the Legends of Basketball, headed by our former City Council President Arnie Fielkow, who was instrumental in creating the public-private partnership now managing the Orleans Parish recreation system,” said Anne K. LaRock, Executive Director for the New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation.  “The fantastic retired NBA players really understand the benefits of quality recreation for our community. We have already had the opportunity to work with Legends of Basketball on a community picnic and basketball clinic in the Lower Ninth Ward last spring, so we know that we make a great team. This project will not only provide basketball fans with great insider access at this year’s All-Star Weekend events  – it will also advance the growing success of New Orleans recreation.”
 
The New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, created in December 2010, facilitates investment in the Orleans Parish recreation system for the purpose of providing access to quality recreational opportunities for all New Orleanians.

The purpose of the Foundation is to support, promote, stimulate public interest in, and raise and distribute funds to benefit the construction, creation, preservation, and maintenance of public parks and playgrounds, recreational facilities, and recreational and other leisure programs and activities in Orleans Parish.
 
For just $1000, the NBRPA is offering basketball fans access to many of the elite All-Star Weekend events hosted by the NBRPA. All proceeds are tax deductible and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the NBRPA’s Dave DeBusschere College Scholarship Program and the New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation.

ALL ACCESS PACKAGE -$1000
CONTACT 312-913-9400 or [email protected] for purchase
(2) Autographed Memorabilia Items
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH:
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Basketball Clinic at Federal City
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH:
(2) Tickets to the NBA All-Star Jam Session
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH:
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Members & Partners Breakfast
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Legends Ladies Event
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Basketball Clinic and Youth Summit
at Oliver Bush Playground (Lower 9th Ward)
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Patron’s Reception at Harrah’s New Orleans
(2) Passes to the NBRPA Gala at Harrah’s New Orleans
 
Otis Birdsong, the NBRPA’s Chairman of the Board and a four-time NBA All-Star as a player, said he and his fellow Legends of Basketball are excited to visit the Big Easy for a full week of philanthropy, fun and fan-interaction.
 
“New Orleans is known for successfully hosting big events and we’re excited to be back for All-Star 2014,” Birdsong said. “We are excited to join forces with our partners to deliver both a fun and meaningful weekend of service and most of all, we’re excited to spend time with some of the best basketball fans in the world.”
 
A summary of NBRPA events and a full schedule for the weekend follow:

Thursday, February 13
Federal City Basketball Clinic
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: New Orleans Military Maritime Academy and the YMCA West Bank (2220 Constitution St)
Led by New Orleans native Eldridge Recasner and other NBRPA Legends, this basketball clinic and summit is hosted for the cadets of the New Orleans Military Maritime Academy.
 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Private Reception
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Freeport McMoran (1615 Poydras, 23rd Floor)
This invitation only private reception is hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in accordance with its partnership with the NBRPA
 
Friday, February 14
Legends Welcome Reception
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: French Quarter Penthouse at Ritz Carlton
This reception is to officially kick off the NBRPA’s All-Star Weekend Festivities. New Orleans pianist Armand St. Martin will provide entertainment for the evening. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be provided.
 
Saturday, February 15
NBRPA Partners, Members and Legends Breakfast
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom
This continental breakfast will bring together the NBRPA’s partners, members and Legends. America’s premier sports performance manager and fitness expert, Mackie Shilstone, and physician, journalist, and educator Dr. Corey Hebert will speak.
 
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Visit
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Location: New Orleans Children’s Hospital (200 Henry Clay Ave.)
This hospital visit is in continuation of the NBRPA’s partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network and includes hospital visits, community outreach and charitable giving throughout the year.
 
Community Lunch, Basketball Clinic and Youth Summit
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Oliver Bush Playground, (2500 Caffin Ave.)
The NBRPA is return to the Lower 9th Ward for community service. The community barbecue will be hosted by the City of New Orleans. Partners for the day include: Dentons Law Firm, New Orleans City Council, New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, Louisiana Justice Institute, The Beta Group and Behind the Bench. The Youth Summit is hosted by Dillard University.
 
NBRPA Member Art Exhibit at French Gallery
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Frenchy Gallery (610 Toulouse St.)
Several NBRPA Members have a career in art after their basketball career. They will team up with local New Orleans favorite Frenchy for a joint exhibit in the French Quarter for All-Star Weekend.
NBRPA Legends Gala
Time: 8:00pm-12:00am
Location: Harrah’s Casino Theatre (228 Poydras St.)
Sponsored by Harrah’s Casino, this signature event will deliver the Big Easy experience to NBRPA Members and patrons. With a backdrop of authentic New Orleans music, the night will honor the 40th Anniversary of the old New Orleans Jazz NBA franchise, members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and former LSU Coach Dale Brown with a lifetime achievement award.
 
Guests must be over 21 years old and provide a valid ID upon check-in.  Guests are free to enjoy the casino after and during the event. Dinner and cocktails will be provided.
 
For general public ticket information: http://www.legendsofbasketball.com/event/allaccess/
 
Sunday, February 16
15th Annual Legends Brunch
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (900 Convention Center Blvd.)
The NBRPA will once again stage its marquee event for All-Star Weekend, in conjunction with the NBA, when the NBRPA hosts the 15th Annual Legends Brunch featuring TNT’s Ernie Johnson as master of ceremonies at the New Orleans Convention Center. The Legends Brunch will be broadcast live on NBA-TV and seen in more than 50 million households This is a private ticketed event.
 
NBRPA Day at the Anthony Bean Community Theater
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Anthony Bean Community Theater (1333 S Carrollton Ave.)
This cultural  event features a first-rate performance of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.” Hundreds of minority children come to the Anthony Bean Community Theater to learn many aspects of theater arts.
Louisiana Coaches Clinic
Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Isidore Newman School (1903 Jefferson Ave.)
This event brings together top men’s and women’s college coaches from the Gulf Coast, including the legendary Dale Brown ( LSU Men), Johnny Jones (LSU Men), Ed Conroy (Tulane Men), Lisa Stockton (Tulane Women), Lori Jones (Southeastern Louisiana Women) plus Coaching Consultant and former NBA great Randy Livingston.
 
To register online: http://livoncoaching.eventbrite.com

HEDULE
LOCATION
THURSDAY, FEB. 13
 
 
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Legends All-Star Lounge/NBRPA Registration
Marriott New Orleans
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Basketball Clinic - New Orleans Military Maritime Academy
Federal City - YMCA West Bank
4:00pm -10:00pm
NBA All-Star Jam Session & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony*
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Private Reception
Freeport McMoRan - 1615 Poydras 23rd Floor
 
 
 
FRIDAY, FEB. 14
 
 
10:00am - 10:00pm
Legends All-Star Lounge/NBRPA Registration
Marriott New Orleans
11:30am - 1:30pm
Behind the Bench Touching a Life Luncheon*
Harrah's New Orleans
12:00pm- 4:30pm
NBA Day of Service
Leave from Marriott New Orleans
4:00pm - 10:00pm
NBA All-Star Jam Session*
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Patron's Reception (Invitation Only)
Ritz Carlton, New Orleans
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Legends Welcome Reception
Ritz Carlton, New Orleans
8:00pm - 11:00pm
NBA Welcome Party (Invitation Only)
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
8:00pm
BBVA Rising Stars Challenge*
New Orleans Arena



SATURDAY, FEB. 15
 
 
8:30am - 10:30am
NBRPA Partners, Members and Legends Ladies Breakfast
Marriott New Orleans
8:30am - 11:00am
Newsmakers Breakfast (Invitation Only)
TBD
9:00am - 10:00pm
NBA All-Star Jam Session*
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
10:00am - 4:00pm
Legends All-Star Lounge / NBRPA Registration
Marriott New Orleans
10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Hospital New Orleans Visit
200 Henry Clay Avenue
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Picnic, Basketball Clinic and Youth Summit
Oliver Bush Playground, Lower 9th Ward
6:30pm
NBRPA Member Art Exhibit at Frenchy Gallery
610 Toulouse St.
7:00pm
State Farm All-Star Saturday Night*
New Orleans Arena
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Patron's Reception (Invitation Only)
Harrah's New Orleans
8:00pm - 12:00am
NBRPA Legends Gala
Harrah's New Orleans



SUNDAY, FEB. 16
 
 
8:00am - 10:00am
Legends All-Star Lounge
Marriott New Orleans
10:00am - 6:00pm
NBA All-Star Jam Session*
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
10:00am - 1:00pm
15th Annual Legends Brunch (Invitation Only)*
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
2:30pm - 4:30pm
NBRPA Day at the Anthony Bean Community Theater
Anthony Bean Community Theater
TBD
Louisiana Coaches Clinic
Isidore Newman School
7:00pm
63rd NBA All-Star Game*
New Orleans Arena
 
 
 

TIMES & LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ALL EVENTS
 

(*) Ticket Required to attend