All-Star is officially game-on
NBA commissioner David Stern held the opening ceremonies of All-Star weekend this evening, alongside Mayor Phil Gordon, Suns owner Robert Sarver, Leandro Barbosa, the Suns Gorilla, etc. They held the ceremony right in the middle of Jam Session, though it was filled with kids and families all around partaking in all the action.
At the opening, Mayor Phil Gordon turned to Stern and committed that it will not be long until the next All-Star game is back in PHX. Stern concurred, saying it was a beautiful destination and how much the players love coming here.
Immediately after the opening, it was off to the "Where Amazing Happens" court to see the "Got Milk?" team unveil the new Chris Paul and Diana Taurasi ads. As a pillar of fitness himself, CP3 joined the unveiling, where he told selected kids from area high schools about staying in shape. He was extremely personable, down-to-earty, and really inspiring to the kids. He talked about how his parents always encouraged him to stay active every day, and now, he tries to tell the kids in his extended family the same thing, and CP said, "They don't listen to me; they would listen to Kobe, though." Everyone laughed at that.
Then the big moment to unveil the new ads, CP3's looking pretty fierce and Taurasi's looking intense! Then it was time to take the court with some students, with the Minnesota Timberwolves fitness coach. He and CP3 showed kids "active stretching" to warm up at the same time. This is all for a "Fit by Finals" campaign, encouraging kids to trim down before the playoffs. See details and tips at: bodybymilk.com.
The fun didn't stop once CP had left. On a different court, the Harlem Globetrotters were giving tips to some kids on how to perform their skillz. Absolutely hilarious!
This is a trampoline dunking game - you should have seen how high everyone was getting! This, among tons of other games. While the whole place was packed, there weren't any lines on anything!.
It's been a fun day - more inside event access tomorrow!
First look: Jam Session presented by Adidas
The tape is still on the sign on the floor, but JAM SESSION is here! Here's a sneak peek...
500 people. 100 semi trucks. 7 days. That's what it takes to put together the Jam Session at the Phoenix Convention Center. They're setting up the NBA stations, basketball games, the Kids Zone, the NBA Store, the Cartoon Network village, and tons of mini-courts for basketball games, drills, workshops and more.
One notable element to this Jam Session is the use of technology. HP is hosting an area with wireless computers and printers where anyone can print out their digital pictures. Cisco is hosting booth that looks like a clear orb where a person can go in and chat live on a TV with their favorite NBA player who is at a different location. These are only a couple of the really cool technological things to see and do. Of course, the court games still apply - the adidas court is hosting 3-on-3 games. You can even play their "house" team!
The official court is on the second floor of the convention center, which is where the McDonald's celebrity game will be played on Friday night (separate ticket required).
The Jam Session really is cool - anyone could easily spend hours there. Tickets are at the door and cost $20 for adults and $12 for kids 3-12. Jam on it!
