By February 4, 2019 (Updated)
It’s finally here. After being awarded in 2015, taken away in 2016, and re-awarded in 2017, it’s finally time for the NBA All-Star Game to make its long-awaited return to Charlotte. Over 150,000 people from across the world, including 1,500 media members as well as representatives from 29 NBA franchises, will converge in the Queen City. An abundance of parties, celebrities, apparel releases, and fan-friendly events will accompany the game; the weekend is as much a celebration of the city as it is of the game itself.
Buzz City will be bustling with events to attend, and this guide is here to get you educated on all the festivities the NBA will be hosting for the All-Star Weekend:
Friday, February 15
NBA All-Star “Cross Over” at Epicentre (All Weekend at Epicentre, starts 12 p.m. on Friday) – A must-see event for fans, this is a free event (registration required) featuring player appearances, memorabilia displays, interactive exhibits, and an NBA store. The All-Star “Cross Over” at Epicentre promises to satiate even the most casual fans of the game.
NBA Celebrity Game (7 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum) – The Celebrity Game gives fans the opportunity to watch stars from all mediums, including NBA legends and WNBA players, taking the court in a fun-filled exhibition game. While the game doesn’t have the highest quality of play, it often provides moments that go viral, from Kevin Hart getting put in the spin cycle by Mo’ne Davis in 2015, to Quavo’s block of Rachel DeMita last year.
NBA Rising Stars Challenge (9 p.m. at Spectrum Center) – The Rookie vs. Sophomore game has been a staple of All-Star Weekend since 1994. This game gives fans a glimpse of what the All-Star rosters of the future will look like and has showcased LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Russell Westbrook in years past. This year’s game, which will be played in a U.S. vs. The World format, will feature rising stars like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic.
Saturday, February 16
NBA All-Star Media Day and Practice (9 a.m. at Bojangles Coliseum) – This laid-back event will offer fans a rare opportunity to see the NBA’s best interviewed by news organizations from across the world. Afterwards, fans will get to watch practice before the All-Star Game.
NBA All-Star Saturday Night (8 p.m. at Spectrum Center) – While the All-Star Game is the main event, the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest draw the most casual viewers. Both this year will have hometown favorites, with Charlotte native Steph Curry and Kemba Walker taking part in the 3-Point Contest, and the high-flying Hornets rookie Miles Bridges competing in the Dunk Contest.
3-Point Contest contestants: Kemba Walker, Devin Booker, Seth Curry, Stephen Curry, Danny Green, Joe Harris, Buddy Hield, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Dirk Nowitzki
Slam Dunk Contest contestants: Miles Bridges, John Collins (Atlanta Hawks), Hamidou Diallo (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Dennis Smith Jr. (New York Knicks)
Sunday, February 17
The 68th Annual NBA All-Star Game (8 p.m. at Spectrum Center) – The reason for the entire occasion, the All-Star Game showcases the greatest basketball players in the world playing under one roof, with this year’s teams drafted by captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is only the second time Charlotte has hosted the event, but with Kemba Walker in the starting lineup, J. Cole performing at halftime, and Anthony Hamilton performing the national anthem, the Carolinas will be well represented.
The 68th annual NBA All-Star Game will air live from Charlotte on Sunday, February 17 at 8 p.m. EST. on TNT. Spectrum Center will also host Rising Stars on Friday, February 15, and the All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, February 16. The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and NBA All-Star Practice and Media Day will take place at Bojangles’ Coliseum.
Check out the full schedule of events and activities and the 2019 NBA All-Star team rosters:
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