David Stern Not Concerned About Traffic, Arrests In Vegas

Stern Says Las Vegas Needs To Make Two Major Changes To Host All-Star Game Again

NBA Commissioner David Stern said that the large volume of people, traffic jams and isolated violence in Las Vegas coinciding with the league’s All-Star Weekend “would not affect a decision on whether an NBA franchise could come” to the city, according to Liz Robbins of the N.Y. TIMES. However, the league will consider holding another All-Star Game there “only if two major changes were made.” Stern said, “We would be wise to schedule our events perhaps out of harm’s way [from] other events where there is such a surge of people.” He added the city would “have to have a new arena.” Robbins reports over 302,000 visitors were in Las Vegas last weekend for the All-Star Game, Chinese New Year and the merchandising MAGIC show. Las Vegas police made 403 arrests Thursday-Sunday, but none involved NBA players. Stern said, “With the large number of people, some invited and uninvited, there will be activities that we cannot control.” Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban wrote in an e-mail, “Have you ever been to Vegas during a big fight weekend? Given the number of people who came, it was quiet” (N.Y. TIMES, 2/23).

RECORDS: The NBA said a record 136,311 fans attended the All-Star Jam Session at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, eclipsing the previous record of 126,218 fans who visited during All-Star ’04 in L.A. Sales of All-Star merchandise bested the previous record, also set in ’04, by 54% (NBA).