Three shows in one

Harlem Globetrotters

bringing mix of basketball, theater, comedy to MassMutual Center

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

GOING TO SEE THE world-famous Harlem Globetrotters is like seeing three shows in one.

When the innovators of basketball bring their 2023 World Tour to the MassMutual Center on Sunday, audiences will see a basketball game filled with nonstop athleticism combined into theater and comedy.

Showtime is 3 p.m.

Tickets range from $26.50 to the exclusive VIP Bench Experience for $309.50 which includes a host of amenities, including watching the game from the team bench.

When the teams hit the court, the Washington Generals will be attempting to earn their first win since 1971. This year they have an all-new set of antics and tricks up their sleeves to see if they can beat the world’s winningest team known for their outrageous jump shots, slam dunks and half-court hook shots.

Founded in 1926 by sports agent-turned coach Abe Saperstein as the Chicago Globetrotters, the team became known as the Harlem Globetrotters in 1929. His goal was to find acceptance and inclusion for many African

American basketball players in professional touring leagues across the country. Over the decades many of the legendary Globetrotters have become household names including Fred “Curly” Neal, who is memorialized in the team’s 2022 tour, as well as Meadowlark Lemon and legendary NBA great Wilt Chamberlain. Today’s roster includes male and female players from all over the country. The team made history in 1985 when they selected Lynette Woodard, captain of the gold-med- al-winning 1984 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, as their first female player.

In addition to sitting in the stands, there are other ways to enjoy the Harlem Globetrotter experience, including the Magic Pass Pre-Show for an additional $25. The special ticket offers the opportunity to shoot some hoops on the court and get photographs and autographs with the two teams. The Behind-the-Court meetand-greet for an additional $30 offers a limited number of fans to interact with their favorite Globetrotter stars, take photographs, and receive a commemorative lanyard. And for an extra $100 for a Celebrity Court Pass, attendees can get on the court for an upclose view of the Globetrotters during their pre-game warmup and more.

Also, for no extra charge after the game, all access is granted for ticked holders to get on the court for an autograph from the players.

For tickets and additional information on the several optional upgrades, visit massmutualcenter.com.