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Canada Finally Steps Into Spotlight With Long-Awaited NBA All-Star Game In Toronto

When it comes to All-Star affairs, "nobody can do glitzy better" than the NBA, and this weekend’s festivities in Toronto, the first time the league has agreed to stage the three-day gala outside of the U.S., "will afford Canadians their first opportunity to witness all the excess up close and personal," according to Robert MacLeod of the GLOBE & MAIL. Aanybody who is anybody "can be expected to be on hand to take a well-publicized bow, either at Sunday’s game at the Air Canada Centre or by attending one of the countless star-studded parties." Former NBA Senior VP/Basketball Communications Brian McIntyre said, “I’ve seen it evolve from this one-day event into this extravaganza that turns any place it is held into celebrity city." MacLeod notes the festivities "start to heat up in Toronto on Friday night" with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Ricoh Coliseum and Rising Stars Challenge at Air Canada Centre. On Sunday night, it will be the All-Star Game itself "for those lucky enough to have tickets." Data from TiqIQ shows the "average price a ticket on the secondary market is close" to C$3,000. Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal on Friday night at Muzik is "booked in as the host and celebrity DJ at the Maxim all-star party, where tickets are being sold for $500 apiece." Perhaps the "hottest venue for celebrity sightings" over All-Star Weekend -- not to mention "most expensive with tickets costing as much as $1,750 -- will be at the True North entertainment hub" near Air Canada Centre (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/12).

CENTER STAGE: In Toronto, Bruce Arthur notes unlike the NHL, the NBA ASG is the "place to be in the league for a few days, the biggest party, the place where celebrities flock." Floyd Mayweather Jr. "has apparently rented a downtown Toronto club for $300,000 per night." The ASG makes the Raptors, and Canada, "centre stage" of the basketball world. Raptors President & GM Masai Ujiri said, “It’s a good moment for us. To me, we’re set up well for success. And I always say that outside of history and winning, big-time winning, we’ve got everything here. We’ve got great ownership -- I know sometimes people talk about Bell and Rogers, blah blah blah, [MLSE Chair] Larry Tanenbaum -- but they give us an incredible platform to perform. Our fans, I would argue that they’re top-three in the NBA. The atmosphere in the game, I’d definitely say top-three in the NBA. City? Toronto, a top-five city in the world" (TORONTO STAR, 2/12). TNT's Charles Barkley said, "They should have had the game here sooner, but I just think, the only negative thing about it is people aren’t going to get a chance to see the real Toronto, because it’s going to be cold as hell." Fellow TNT analyst Kenny Smith also "gave Toronto high marks, describing it as a 'clean New York, New York City without the dirt" (TORONTO SUN, 2/12).

AT LONG LAST: In Toronto, Steve Simmons notes when you consider the way the city "has been treated by the NBA," the cold weather this weekend "is understandable." Toronto is "used to being the basketball step-child that nobody really wanted." The franchise "played the part of afterthought, laughing stock, launching pad, farm team-to-contenders, the team that Christmas Day forgot and American television refuses to acknowledge" -- unless ESPN's Adnan Virk or FS1's Jay Onrait "are doing the talking." Toronto has "gotten used to being an NBA whipping boy." This weekend is the "biggest basketball event in Canadian history," which tells people all they "need to know about Raptors history. Former MLSE President & CEO Tim Leiweke "may be gone," but his "presence remains, especially this weekend." He went out and "got the all-star game." More importantly, he "went out and stole" Ujiri from the Nuggets, which was a "brilliant coup for the franchise" (TORONTO SUN, 2/12).

LONG HAUL NORTH: USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt notes the Raptors’ "regular-season success, multiple All-Stars, leadership" of Ujiri and a marketing campaign "celebrating national pride have fostered growth and popularity." NBA Canada VP & GM Dan MacKenzie said, “When you look at their resurgence under Masai the past few years and the success of some of their marketing campaigns -- the ‘We the North’ slogan -- that resonated with their fans." Zillgitt notes the Raptors "are trying to capitalize on a fanbase that has just one home team for an estimated population of 35 million people" (USA TODAY, 2/12). The CP's Lori Ewing noted while the Grizzlies "are long gone from Canada’s west coast, the game has continued to grow, not just in Toronto, but across Canada." Viewership of NBA games in Canada "has doubled over the past three seasons according to NBA Canada, and last October played to either sellouts or large crowds in preseason games in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg." The Raptors "take pride in being known as Canada’s team." Raptors Senior Basketball Adviser Wayne Embry said, “The world should recognize that Dr. (James) Naismith is Canadian, and he invented the game of basketball. It’s a global game, and Canada deservedly must have a place there" (CP, 2/11).

EUROPEAN ASPIRATIONS: NBA.com's Ian Thomsen noted more "ambitious lines of expansion to Europe and beyond are still years away," but for now, this "breakthrough internationally is not to be taken for granted." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, "While we're not crossing the ocean, it is a first important step to play this marquee game outside of the States. And that is a very symbolic move for the league." Thomsen wrote the dream of starting up franchises in Europe "remains as intimidating as ever," yet Toronto hosting All-Star weekend is "likely to embolden Silver to keep dreaming big, based on the unanticipated progression and outcomes that have followed the NBA's first small step of expansion just over the border" (NBA.com, 2/11). 

FOLLOW THE LEADER: In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle noted Pacers President & COO Rick Fuson, in what he called "the most serious attempt to bring the game to Indianapolis" since it hosted the event in '85, will be accompanied in Toronto by a host of Indianapolis execs. Pacers Sports & Entertainment Senior VP/Facilities Operations Mel Raines also is "making the multi-day trip." Fuson pointed out the individuals making the trip "were instrumental in Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl in '12. Fuson said, "We're going to examine every aspect of the game." He added that when the contingent gets back, they will wait for NBA execs to "release bid specifications later this year." Fuson: "There's no guarantee we're going to get it. But we certainly have interest in it, and we're taking a serious look" (IBJ.com, 2/10).

CELEBRITY WATCH: Canadian singer Nelly Furtado will perform "the Canadian national anthem before" the ASG, while Ne-Yo "will perform the U.S. national anthem." Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil "will perform before the player introductions and Sting will headline the halftime show." Walk the Moon "will perform prior to the Verizon Slam Dunk contest" on Saturday, while Gwen Stefani, Usher, Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz "will be performing at various parties around the city throughout the weekend" (CP, 2/11). In Toronto, Mark Daniell notes "much to the chagrin of Torontonians," Drake "is not part of the halftime show Sunday night -- or it seems any of the festivities outside of coaching Team Canada in the All-Star Celebrity Game." Other celebs "rumoured to be in town this weekend" include Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Rihanna, Amber Rose, Ludacris, Vin Diesel, Jon Stewart and Olivia Wilde (TORONTO SUN, 2/12).

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