NBA Commissioner David Stern announced today that Houston will be hosting the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend festivities.
“Houston is a spectacular sports city, and for one week it will be the basketball capital of the world,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “NBA All-Star is a magnificent celebration of our game, and I want to thank the city and the Rockets for welcoming us once again.”
Houston has hosted the event twice already. The first time was in 1989, when Karl Malone was the MVP of the All-Star game with 28 points and nine rebounds as the West defeated the East, 143-134 at the Astrodome. In 2006, LeBron James was the youngest player awarded the MVP when he erupted for 29 points as the East overcame a 21-point third-quarter deficit to edge the West, 122-120.
“I am thrilled the Rockets and the City of Houston have once again brought NBA All-Star to Toyota Center,” said Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. “The All-Star Game showcases the best basketball players in the world and will allow our great Rockets fans and the entire community the opportunity to once again experience the best that our league has to offer. The 2006 All-Star Game in Houston was a tremendous success and we plan to set the bar even higher in 2013. We take great pride in Toyota Center’s standing as one of the premier venues in the country and are honored to be the first arena in Texas to host the game for a second time.”
“I want to thank the City staff, Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander and the Houston/Harris County Sports Authority for all the work that went into bringing this world premier sporting event back to Houston,” said Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker. “Houston knows how to show visitors a good time and we can’t wait to pamper NBA fans with our southern hospitality and charm. You could spend 365 days in our city and still not experience everything this town has to offer. We are alive with talent, rich in diversity and just downright full of fun. I wish the NBA and all of its fans an unforgettable stay in Houston.”
The 2013 game will mark the 29th year that Turner Sports will provide NBA All-Star coverage, and the 11th consecutive year the All-Star Game will be televised in primetime on TNT. The All-Star Game will be seen by a worldwide television audience in more than 200 countries and territories and in more than 40 languages.
The All-Star Weekend will kick off on Friday, February 15th and the 62nd NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Toyota Center.
