Pacers get to play rare game in China

INDIANAPOLIS - The National Basketball Association and the Beijing (China) Municipal Bureau of Sport announced Wednesday the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets will play a preseason game in Beijing’s Wukesong Arena, Oct. 11.

The Pacers and Nuggets will become just the seventh and eighth NBA teams to play games in China. This game is in addition to the recently announced one between the Pacers and Nuggets, who will be the first NBA teams to play a game in Taiwan when they meet Oct. 8 in Taipei.

“This international exposure is great for the game and in particular for our franchise,” said Pacers President Larry Bird. “China’s love of the game is evident by its past support of games there and the unbelievable attention Chinese players like Yao Ming get while playing in the NBA.”

“Anytime you have a product that can be exposed internationally it’s a tremendous benefit and honor, especially since we have thousands of Chinese residents in Indiana,” said Pacers President Jim Morris. “We have a franchise we feel, and others do as well, that is moving forward and getting better every day. The NBA selecting us for this trip is further evidence of this. Additionally, the State of Indiana has many business friends in China and this will be a wonderful opportunity to further strengthen those relationships.”

The Beijing game will be played in the arena that hosted the Olympic basketball competition in the 2008 Summer Games, and this will be just the third NBA game played in Beijing.

"The Indiana Pacers are a terrific franchise with a rich history and we are proud that they will be representing the NBA in Beijing in October," said NBA China CEO Tim Chen.

"The Pacers are a young team on the rise with a roster of talented players and a style of play that appeals to NBA fans around the world."

The Pacers’ presence will not be limited to the team. The Pacers’ mascot, Boomer, and the Pacers’ Power Pack – a dunk and interactive squad – will help provide fans with an authentic NBA experience. Additionally, The Pacers will participate in NBA Cares community events in Beijing, designed to positively impact the city and its youth.

Courtesy: Pacers.com