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London to host New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat game
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The New Jersey Nets will go head to head with the 2006 NBA Champions Miami Heat in a preseason game at The O2 arena in London on 12 Oct. "Our third consecutive year of the NBA Europe Live is another step in our ongoing efforts to bring the excitement of the NBA to our loyal and passionate fans across Europe," said NBA Commissioner David Stern. "Through the support of our partners, including EA SPORTS, the Heat, Nets, Hornets and Wizards will compete and extend our global commitment to community service in four of Europe's most historic cities." Following NBA Europe Live 2008, NBA teams will have played 48 games in 18 cities throughout Europe over the past two decades, including last year's seven successful NBA Europe Live games, which drew more than 10.3 million viewers, 75,000 spectators, and was supported by 23 marketing partners. "NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS creates an authentic platform for fans of all ages across Europe to enjoy real life and virtual basketball experiences on a grand stage," said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. "We're excited to extend our partnership with the NBA on an event that not only expands the global reach of the sport, but also showcases EA SPORTS and our NBA LIVE franchise across Europe." "The return of the NBA Live Tour to London is a tremendous boost for the capital," said Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell. "Last year's sell out game at The O2 attracted visitors from across the UK and Europe and bolstered London's reputation as the most prestigious global sporting city in the world. Visit London welcomes the return of the NBA to our capital as we continue to attract the best and biggest sporting events in the lead up to and beyond the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games." The Heat and Nets will begin their European tour with a game in Paris, France at the Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy on Oct. 9 before traveling to London, England for their second contest on Oct.12 at The O2 Arena. "I am looking forward to expanding the game of basketball to these great cities with my teammates," said Heat guard Dwyane Wade. "Being a part of Team USA Basketball in the Olympics, I know the importance of taking the next step in making the NBA a global sport. I was glad to hear that London and Paris are involved and hopefully I will be able to visit such historic places like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower." "It is an honor to represent the league as part of NBA Europe Live," said Nets guard Vince Carter. "Having played in international competition, I am very aware of the passion of the European fans for the NBA, so it will very special to bring the NBA to both Paris and London. I am sure that my teammates will truly enjoy this unique experience." The New Orleans Hornets and Washington Wizards complete the quartet of teams participating in NBA Europe Live 2008 with games scheduled at the new state-of-the-art 'O2 World' in Berlin, Germany on Oct. 14 followed by a game in at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain on Oct. 17. In addition to the basketball action, the NBA will also be conducting a variety of community events and programs in each of the NBA Europe Live 2008 host cities as part of its NBA Cares initiative. Since 2000, the NBA family has helped create, build and establish more than 400 places where kids and families can live, learn or play around the world, including 11 total throughout Europe as part of the 2006 and 2007 NBA Europe Live tours. New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat - 9 Oct., Palais Omnisport Paris Bercy, Paris. New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat - 12 Oct., The O2, London Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets - 14 Oct., O2 World, Berlin Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets - 17 Oct., Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona Euroleague Basketball will once again serve as a partner in NBA Europe Live, which it has since the event's inception in 2006. EA SPORTS™, adidas, Champion and The Coca-Cola Company will return as pan-European marketing partners for the 2008 event. They will conduct a variety of NBA-themed promotional activities to reach NBA fans across Europe. The inaugural NBA Europe Live in 2006 featured the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs playing preseason games in Barcelona, Spain; Moscow, Russia; Rome, Italy; Paris and Lyon, France and Cologne, Germany. NBA Europe Live returned in 2007 with the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors visiting Rome, Italy; Madrid and Malaga, Spain; London, U.K. and Istanbul, Turkey. About the NBA NBA Cares is the league's social responsibility initiative that builds on the NBA's long tradition of addressing important social issues in the United States and around the world. Through this umbrella program, the NBA, its teams and players have committed to donating $100 million to charity, providing a million hours of hands-on service to the community, and creating 250 places where kids and families can live, learn or play. NBA Cares works with internationally recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes, including: UNICEF; the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. About Electronic Arts EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO and FaceBreaker are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" and "PLAYSTATION" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, NHL, FIBA, NBA, NCAA, Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR and NASCAR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Contacts: Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
