International basketball fans can expect cheerleaders, live
announcers and booming music at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
basketball events, since the NBA's style will touch down upon
Beijing for the Games.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) agreed yesterday with
BOCOG and FIBA to bring its razzmatazz to the Beijing Olympic
basketball tournament.
The agreement was signed to improve the atmosphere for athletes
and fans alike with court-side entertainment such as dancers,
announcers and audio-visual shows.
"It is an important step forward to making this the best Olympic
basketball competition ever," said Bob Elphinston, president of
FIBA. "China is a very very important member of the international
federation and we are honored of the NBA's support."
FIBA's first collaboration with NBA was at the 2004 Athens
Olympics.
"We had a very good relationship with the NBA at the last
Olympic Games in Athens. Basketball is certainly one of the most
popular and successful sports in the Olympic program. Here, in
Beijing, we can do even better. We know that the exciting
basketball moments will be among the highlights of this
Olympiad."
Mark Fischer, managing director of NBA China, pledged a
top-level atmosphere.
"We're getting involved now to ensure that various parts of this
facility are to world-class standards," said Fischer. "We're very
confident that all who come to Beijing during the Olympic Games
will be extremely impressed with this facility."
Apart from NBA style elements, Fischer proposed a blend of
Chinese cultural elements.
"We will cover all aspects of basketball presentation including
court design and layout, production, entertainment and an exchange
program to share experiences and train local personnel. The
presentation will celebrate Olympic spirit by incorporating
elements from the rich Chinese culture as well as aspirations of
all participating nations."
The basketball competition will happen at the Wukesong Stadium
will host the basketball which met with Fischer's approval.
"The Wukesong basketball arena will not only provide a
magnificent setting for the competition, it will also become an
NBA-style arena and a destination for sport entertainment for years
to come. We will work with BOCOG and FIBA to create a legacy for
all to share."
Basketball has become one of the most popular sports in China,
especially with national star Yao Ming playing for the Houston
Rockets. With their exposure to the NBA on TV, fans are also
becoming increasingly expectant about the domestic competition,
particularly with regards to in-arena entertainment.
(China Daily April 26, 2007)