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NBA All-Star Game headed to Charlotte in 2019

By Brad Richter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets and the state of North Carolina have been awarded the 2019 NBA All-Star game.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the NBA and Charlotte Hornets are finalizing a deal that would bring the 2019 All-Star game to Charlotte. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 17 and will be part of the usual All-Star weekend festivities to be held at the Spectrum Center.

Charlotte was scheduled to host the 2017 NBA All-Star game before the league decided to move the game to New Orleans due to the House Bill 2 in North Carolina. The league objected to the bill which limited anti-discrimination protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the state.

The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver wanted Charlotte and state representatives to work on the development of an anti-discrimination policy prior to the Hornets being granted another All-Star game. North Carolina lawmakers have since signed a bill that repealed the House Bill 2, opening the door for the All-Star game to return to Charlotte.

Charlotte Hornets owner, Michael Jordan released a statement today regarding the 2019 NBA All-Star game stating, “All-Star Weekend is an international event that will provide tremendous economic impact to our community while showcasing our city, our franchise and our passionate Hornets fan base to people around the world”.

The last time the NBA All-Star game was played in Charlotte was in 1991. The game finished with the East defeating the West 116-114 with Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers taking home MVP honors. Dee Brown of the Boston Celtics won the Slam Dunk Contest. While, Craig Hodges of the Chicago Bulls won the Three-Point Shootout.

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The Hornets have numerous players including Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum signed through the 2018-19 season and have the 11th pick in the upcoming 2017 Draft. The 2018 All-Star game will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.

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