Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are among a few of the big names that will light up the Air Canada Centre this Sunday. The fever-pitch excitement and roar of fan adulation are two things they’re likely accustomed to – the weather outside, likely not so much.
This weekend is expected to be one of the coldest so far this winter. Mother Nature’s timing could not be any worse for those hoping to make the NBA All-Star Weekend a memorable one for players and fans alike.
Stephan Curry of the Golden State Warriors has already remarked about Toronto’s chilly climate through a video he recently shared on social media.
Former NBA player Bruce Bowen also echoed Curry’s sentiment. “I love the locals who walk around like nothing’s wrong, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God my throat, the air is crisp,’” he said.
“Hot chocolate. It’s delicious,” recommended Janie, a Ryerson student who offered her advice on how to stay warm.
“Don’t leave the house, just Uber to the gym, do your thing then leave,” added Tawan. He and his friends were excited to see basketball royalty make appearances across the city.
“Chris Bosh is going to be at Champs at Eaton Centre,” said Ryerson student Alex. “We’re all going there.”
NBA all-star games of years past have been much warmer, with the exception of 2015 when it was -9 degrees in New York. In 2013 it was 12 degrees in Houston, Texas. The year earlier it was whopping 17 degrees in Florida.
This year’s east versus west match-up begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Air Canada Centre.