The National Basketball Association and adidas today announced the six European host cities for the adidas NBA 5IVE Tour 2008, a grassroots event combining outdoor 5-on-5 tournaments with pick-up games and interactive basketball elements. The event tips off in Berlin, Germany, July 12-13, before traveling to Moscow, Russia, July 26-27; Istanbul, Turkey, August 30-31; Rome, Italy, September 6-7, Paris, France, September 13-14 and culminating in Madrid, Spain, September 20-21 or 27-28.
“Together adidas and the NBA have created a grassroots event that succeeds in embodying everything great about the game of basketball.” Frank Denglos, Vice President of Sports Performance for adidas Region Europe/Middle East/Africa continued, “5-on-5, grassroots basketball is about the team, the bond, the Brotherhood that is created on the court. This ideal is at the heart of adidas Basketball, and also at the very heart of the adidas NBA 5IVE Tour.”
"Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural adidas NBA 5IVE event in 2007, we are thrilled to once again partner with adidas and expand this unique event to even more cities in Europe" said Sophie Goldschmidt, Vice President, Marketing Partnerships and Business Development, NBA Europe. "This tour is an important grass roots vehicle for us to bring an exciting blend of basketball competitions and attractions to fans of all ages in Europe.”
Open to players aged 10 and over of all skill levels, the teams of between 5-7 players will play a minimum of three games with the emphasis placed firmly on the values of team play and the concept ‘WE ARE 5IVE’. Teams can register via email at adidas5IVE@nba.com and at selected adidas stores. Additional event details can be found at www.nba.com/adidas5ive.
adidas NBA 5IVE will feature daily final competitions on Center Court, in addition to 5-on-5 pick up games with players selected from the audience, a three-point shootout and open 1-on-1 play.
EA Sports and The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) will support adidas NBA 5IVE at all tour stops. EA Sports will conduct daily competitions with NBA Live, challenging gamers inside the EA Sports Video Arcade. And at the TCCC Slam Dunk Court, players can show off their dunking abilities on baskets at varied heights. During the Tour, fans will be able to experience interactive Jam Session elements including NBA Theatre featuring top NBA Action and highlights from the 2007-08 season.
|