The 57^th NBA All-Star Game will be played at the New Orleans Arena on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.
It will mark the first time the event will be held in New Orleans. The game will be televised on TNT in the United States and will reach a worldwide television audience in more than 200 countries.

  “The award of NBA All-Star 2008 is our vote of confidence in the progress that is being made in the reopening and rebuilding of New Orleans’ tourism infrastructure. New Orleans will become the basketball capital of the world in February 2008, demonstrating to a global audience that New Orleans is very much open for business.” -NBA Commissioner David Stern-

“New Orleans has historically been one of the favorite sites for the biggest sports events: the Super Bowl, the Final Four and the BCS championship Game. Now the tradition continues with the NBA’s biggest weekend. We’ve had great crowds for our major events since Hurricane Katrina—the Hornets’ three games in New Orleans Arena, Mardi Gras, the Zurich Golf Classic and JazzFest. And now we can look forward to the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. What better way to say we’re coming back?” -Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco-

“The NBA’s announcement regarding All-Star represents the first major sporting event awarded to our community since Hurricane Katrina. It shows the NBA has confidence in our city’s ability to be ready for their showcase event and will make a statement to others who are considering scheduling conventions and sports in New Orleans in the future.” -Doug Thornton, Regional Vice President, SMG, New Orleans Arena-

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