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Using The Force: NBA, NHL Clubs Ramp Up Promo Nights Around "Star Wars" Release

Blues are giving out Jaden
Schwartz bobbleheads
With the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” only a week away, many NHL and NBA teams are getting in on the fervor for the film with themed nights at their venues. Several NBA teams will get into the act on Friday night, including the 76ers, Suns and Pelicans. The 76ers will give fans Jedi vs. Dark Side-branded entertainment throughout the matchup against the Pistons. 76ers dancers will have Princess Leia-themed routines and R2-D2 costumes. The Suns partnered with Lucasfilm for their game against the Trail Blazers and will give away a basketball with BB-8 on it (the droid is featured in the new film). At Smoothie King Center on Friday night, fans will receive a Pelicans-themed Stormtrooper mug, while Star Wars-themed photo booths are set up around the arena. The Pistons on Saturday night will have their Star Wars night at home, while the Nets on Monday night are giving fans a Jedi-themed bobblehead of C Brook Lopez. The T’Wolves get into the act on Tuesday night and the Magic on Wednesday. An NBA spokesperson in noted that the Nuggets and Grizzlies also have Star Wars plans.

ICE PLANETS: The Ducks got into the act early with Star Wars, hosting a themed night on Dec. 2 at Honda Center. The Senators also held a similar theme earlier this month. Friday night also will see the Devils’ Star Wars event. Fans will receive a special poster, and Star Wars characters will be walking the venue. The Blues have their night on Jan. 14. Blues Assistant Dir of Media Relations Dan O’Neill noted the team will hand out a Star Wars-themed bobblehead of LW Jaden Schwartz. Minor league hockey teams also are doing their own Star Wars promotions in addition to the Saskatoon Blades wearing movie-themed jerseys on Nov. 28. AHL Ontario Reign Dir of Communications & Broadcasting Joseph Zakrzewski noted the team already has a sellout crowd for Sunday’s Star Wars-themed game.

JOIN US AT THE CANTINA
: Is the Force strong with you? Whither Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker? Han and Chewie are home? If you are gearing up for the Dec. 18 cinematic release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," then you are the readers we’re looking for. Do you already have plans in place to see the film, or are you and your family members big fans of the franchise? If so, we would love to hear from you, and we will follow up with you directly.

If interested, shoot an e-mail to pbounds@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

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