NBA Draft Fan Zone

Apologies on not having my post draft write up finished yet but in the meantime, here is my detailed breakdown of the pre-draft festivities held by the NBA.

Before the NBA Draft began Thursday night, the NBA ran it’s first ever NBA Fan Zone event for all fans, including those who did not have a ticket for the night’s festivities. “Go Newark Hoops Fest” featured a ton of interactive games and competitions for all ages including a basketball court, a five foot hoop for younger fans, trivia contests, giveaways, special guests, and more. From 12-7 PM, fans competed in shooting competitions such as Around the World and Knockout to win prizes such as DVD’s, shirts, and free tickets to the Draft later that night. Kia Motors was also on hand asking trivia questions to which if fans answered correctly, they’d be inserted into a lottery to win tickets inside “The Rock” later that evening as well. The winner of the tickets was selected by Milwaukee Bucks PG Brandon Jennings, who also signed autographs for fans afterwards. Sports talk radio legend Mike Francesa was also on hand, airing his show on the YES Network live, where he conducted interviews with many guests, including Newark Mayor, Cory Booker. I just wanted to make note of this event here because it really was a nice gesture by the NBA to all fans and the city of Newark to make it a free event where people could just have fun and enjoy the great game of basketball.

: Fans gathered at the NBA Fan Zone outside the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

: One of the interactive activities for fans was to measure their feet compared to pros like Amar’e Stoudemire. I’m right there with him at a size 15.