The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will call American Dream home for 10 days this summer in what is being billed as their first-ever sports residency, officials announced Monday.
The Harlem Globetrotters Experience will run from Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 25 at the entertainment complex. Featured events will include 16 games against the team’s legendary rival, the Washington Generals, as well as a variety of fan engagement activities, merchandise giveaways and other programming celebrating the storied franchise.
“The Harlem Globetrotters have a long history of ‘firsts’ in our nearly 100-year history, and by partnering with American Dream, we are continuing that tradition,” said Keith Dawkins, president of the team and parent company Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This permanent show and its many commercial extensions represent a new way to reimagine the experience we provide to our millions of fans, and we’re excited about the possibility of replicating it around the world.”
American Dream and the Globetrotters plan to announce further special events tied to the residency in the coming weeks. Currently, the list of events for kids and families includes:
- Globetrotter Kids Skills ClinicBasketball fans of all ages can train like globetrotters by completing drills, learning moves and taking part in the team’s famous Magic Circle warm-up routine.
- Pre-match Magic PassFamilies can play basketball with the Globetrotters and Generals on the court before the game and get autographs and photos with players.
- Globetrotter “Q5” Meet and Greet: Fans will be invited onto the court for 30 minutes after the game to get autographs from their favorite Globetrotters players.
- Limited merchandiseAttendees will have access to a variety of Globetrotters-branded T-shirts, sweatshirts, basketballs, programs and other accessories.
The partnership with the Globetrotters is the latest sports venture for American Dream as it seeks to become the home of other major sporting events: This year, the complex has already hosted the U.S. Curling Championships and “The Sloan,” a national high school basketball tournament hosted by the National Basketball Players Association, with other upcoming competitions to be announced soon.
“The Harlem Globetrotters, like American Dream, embody community, entertainment and fun, making us the perfect partner for this groundbreaking resident facility,” said Brian Gauss, senior vice president and general manager of American Dream. “Our facility continues to set the standard as a unique sports and events destination and complements the extensive events roster at neighboring MetLife Stadium. Now, one of the most iconic sports franchises will call American Dream home.”
Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters performance are on sale now and can be purchased at www.americandream.com/harlem-globetrotters .
