5 Great Moments at NBA All-Star 2013

I always loved basketball, first as an admirer, then as a player, then as a coach, and always as a fan but attending NBA All-Star 2013 was much more than just attending a game. Being a dedicated fan is a lifestyle and being immersed in that lifestyle was an eye-opening, life-altering experience. I’m already planning my next sporting event. It’s like living in a constant state of adrenaline-filled exuberance. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, actually being in the crowd is an amazing feeling. Try it once and I bet you’ll be hooked like me.

Here are 5 great moments from NBA All-Star 2013:

Number 5: The Exclusive Hospitality Suite

As I walked into the exclusive in-arena game hospitality suite before NBA All-Star 2013, I stepped into another world. There were hostesses; there were bar tenders; there were greeter; there were event organizers. All were ready to wait on our beck and call. There was food, drinks, and treats in almost every corner of the room. Even the lights created a “red carpet”, exclusive setting. I could have quite possibility been the most excited person in the entire building. This is what dreaming while awake feelings like.

Number 4: Meeting Players 

Friendly, cute, and a great player, Chandler Parsons is a slam dunk. I almost expected him to be dismissive, annoyed with the idea that he had to sign more autographs and waste his time, but he was personable and easy-going. I took video and photos and he signed a picture of himself. He talked to me and took a few minutes to make sure I had a memorable moment. He was a true star.

Darryl Dawkins, AKA Chocolate Thunder, is an entertainer, a player on and off the court. “Chocolate Thunder” is one of those men that are flirty in a harmless way. His massive size is a lot less intimidating when dressed in a salmon-colored suit and his smile is contagious. He autographed a photo for me and an additional one that I could take home for Darren. His quick wit was a welcomed addition to the evening and made me even more pumped for the game.

Number 3: Meeting Passionate Kids

Meet Jackson and Tara, an inspirational mother and son team who attended NBA All-Star 2013. Tara recently told Jackson that they could go on a vacation to pretty much anywhere and Jackson chose NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston. This is what being a true fan is all about. Their passion and energy brought a smile to my face every time I saw them. I wanted to be around them; I wanted to be part of their excitement. Just being near Jackson reminded me of how great the game truly is.

Number 2: 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest

Terrence Ross put on a awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping dunking extravaganza when he threw down some serious dunks to take home the crown. My video is a little too far away to give the full scope of his winning dunk so here’s a link to the NBA YouTube page.

Number 1: Watching the NBA All-Star Game
Watch this All-Star Sunday Mini-Movie from NBA.com

Are you excited? Has your heart rate sped up? Take that feeling and multiply it by a thousand and that’s what it feels like to be part of the crowd at the actual game. Fans were roaring, the announcer’s voice bellowed out above the crowd, the extreme dunks punched through everyone’s core in the stadium, and I was surrounded by it all of this electricity.

All of these moments came together to create the complete experience and I fell in love. The extreme adrenaline that I’ve thrived on in the past during experiences like skydiving and whitewater rafting is mirrored through attending sporting events at this level. The crowd, the players, the announcers, the workers, and the stadium is vibrating with energy. I’ve found a new addiction. When’s the next big game?

QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Draft. Official Ticket Packages are available through the NBA Events Program. NBA-Events.com is the website for Official Ticket Packages.

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