ABOVE: It’s a big day for basketball fans north of the border as the 2016 NBA All-Star game will be coming to Toronto. Mark Carcasole has the story.
TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors have announced it will host the 2016 NBA all-star game.
This is the first time the Raptors have hosted the event, which will mark the franchise’s 20th season.
“We promise to you the best all-star game and week that we’ve ever had,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment at a press conference Monday at the Air Canada Centre. “We’re blessed that this sport has taken off in this country.”
Among the people who attended the announcement were Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri, NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver, Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto rapper Drake, who will become the team’s global ambassador.
“The estimated economical impact for hosting the game is $100 million, this is truly amazing,” said Mayor Ford.
The 2014 all-star game will take place in New Orleans, while New York will host the 2015 installment.
The last time Toronto hosted an all-star game was for the National Lacrosse League in 2006. The NHL all stars came to Toronto in 2000, and the Blue Jays hosted baseball’s event in 1991.
-With files from The Canadian Press
WATCH: Toronto is announced as the host city for the 2013 NBA All-Star game Monday during a press conference featuring Tim Leiweke, Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri, and Mayor Rob Ford
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