New Orleans to Host 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend


Fresh off the news that their hometown franchise has a new owner, New Orleans residents have some more good news coming in: their city will be hosting the All-Star Game in 2014. Details via the Times-Picayune: “When NBA Commissioner David Stern introduces New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson at a 2 p.m. press conference day, Stern will also announce that the league has awarded the 2014 All-Star Game to the city, a source confirmed Monday morning. With Carnival considerations, and the 2013 All-Star Weekend already set for Houston, the next possible date New Orleans could host its second All-Star Game would be 2014. New Orleans hosted its first NBA All-Star Game in 2008, the first major sporting event to be held in the city following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. Its presence helped announce New Orleans’ renaissance to the nation and beyond. As part of the new lease agreement announced on March 16 between the state and the Hornets, part of the deal included a future All-Star Game. Stern, along with Benson, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Mayor Mitch Landrieu will be making the formal announcement at the Arena.”