Who’s been to all star weekend?

jcardstore · 12-26-2021, 02:28 PM

So with ASW being in Cleveland this year I’m planning on going.

Having never gone before I have a couple questions:

1) when do the tickets usually go on sale? And are they sold through the NBA directly with some sort of lottery system?

2) is the game itself actually worth it? I don’t care about the price but watching the game on TV isn’t super exciting so not sure how much better it would be in person

asujbl · 12-26-2021, 02:43 PM

I went to Cleveland in 96

It was phenomenal. Everything about it.

I was also 15 and Covid wasn’t a thing

So grain of salt

Saturday is far superior to Sunday

Spacemanspif · 12-26-2021, 02:50 PM

So, I didn't actually go to the game, but I was in Vegas during the year they had ASG in Las Vegas. It was... wild. If you are planning on getting a hotel or stopping by any bar or restaurant near the event center, make plans way ahead of time. There are going to be tons of ex-players and other NBA faces you recognize just walking around, and tons of hookers (and their bodymen) everywhere.

I imagine going to the game would be cool, but usually the more exciting day for me is the Saturday night 3pt and dunk competitions, maybe try to get tickets for that one instead/too?

jcardstore · 12-26-2021, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacemanspif

So, I didn't actually go to the game, but I was in Vegas during the year they had ASG in Las Vegas. It was... wild. If you are planning on getting a hotel or stopping by any bar or restaurant near the event center, make plans way ahead of time. There are going to be tons of ex-players and other NBA faces you recognize just walking around, and tons of hookers (and their bodymen) everywhere.

I imagine going to the game would be cool, but usually the more exciting day for me is the Saturday night 3pt and dunk competitions, maybe try to get tickets for that one instead/too?

Yea I’m 100% going to Saturday. That’s what I’m most looking forward to. I’m not sure if you can get separate tickets or if it’s a package type of deal?

Fortunately I live 30 minutes from downtown so I can go home but a hotel is actually a good idea, I’ll look into that.

asujbl · 12-26-2021, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Yea I’m 100% going to Saturday. That’s what I’m most looking forward to. I’m not sure if you can get separate tickets or if it’s a package type of deal?

Fortunately I live 30 minutes from downtown so I can go home but a hotel is actually a good idea, I’ll look into that.

Stay at 150th and take the train. Dirt cheap probably

jcardstore · 12-26-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asujbl

Stay at 150th and take the train. Dirt cheap probably

I’m out East so that would be a big hassle.

asujbl · 12-26-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

I’m out East so that would be a big hassle.

Don’t do that then. Haha

My grandparents are in Fairview so I’m used to it

pingbling23 · 12-26-2021, 03:22 PM

i would definitely try to do a package deal. saturday seems more fun on tv but the game would be worth it imo. its only once a year that you get to see a collection of great players in the same game and, as you know, less often its feasible that you can go to the game depending on where its at. if you go, post a recap of your experience, that would be fun.

nabzy28 · 12-26-2021, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asujbl

I went to Cleveland in 96

It was phenomenal. Everything about it.

I was also 15 and Covid wasn’t a thing

So grain of salt

Saturday is far superior to Sunday

I was at that one, too. Was at the practice and it was just a good time all around.

Chick Hearn · 12-26-2021, 03:57 PM

Tickets via NBA.com - https://nbaevents.nba.com/experiences

jcardstore · 12-26-2021, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chick Hearn

Tickets via NBA.com - https://nbaevents.nba.com/experiences

Thank you. Idk why I didn’t find this. So I guess the rest of the tickets are for season ticket holders or something?

I hate the corners and behind the hoop but I guess if it’s the only option

Chick Hearn · 12-26-2021, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Thank you. Idk why I didn’t find this. So I guess the rest of the tickets are for season ticket holders or something?

I hate the corners and behind the hoop but I guess if it’s the only option

It looks like tickets are starting to appear on StubHub and the other secondary market sites, so, you may have more options available, seat preference wise. The tickets link was buried at the top once you click on the All-Star link.

I would chime in that I was fortunate enough to go the 1992 All-Star Game (Magic HIV/MVP), but, unfortunately, that shows how old I am, and that a LOT has changed in 30 years (tickets / events wise). In fact, that was the last year they had the Legends game, where the retired players played a game on Saturday night. That stopped when one of the legends blew out his knee and had to be carried off!

I would always tell anyone if they had the chance to go, to go at least once!

byronscott4ever · 12-26-2021, 08:40 PM

Never been to an event outside of Jam Session in 1994. I was told that having season tickets wasn’t a guarantee to get to the game but I think most ST holders were able to get a chance buy something. Apparently the league controls a lot of the tickets.

PJKards · 12-26-2021, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Thank you. Idk why I didn’t find this. So I guess the rest of the tickets are for season ticket holders or something?

I hate the corners and behind the hoop but I guess if it’s the only option

Season tickets holders of the home team (in your case, the Cavs) will get priority on the allotment that the NBA has given out to them.

In the case of the Hornets, they did a lottery for season ticket holders.

How the Cavs will do their share is up to them.

I remember that Saturday and Sunday were not packaged together.

The rest of the tickets are distributed by the NBA. Nice way of saying sponsers/celebs/VIPs/etc get them.

I was living in Vegas during the 2007 weekend. That was an experience in itself. Things were seen that can't be discussed.

jfan2024 · 12-27-2021, 01:57 AM

Went some years ago when NYC hosted. Got tickets through the Nets as a package plan holder. Only went for Friday and Saturday night, atmosphere was better Saturday night (one of the years LaVine won), but Friday night was actually my favorite. A little more chill, an actual game with some high flying dunks. Also recommend you look into the fan experiences day of or before, some free showcases, swag, and events you can go to.

flicks09 · 12-27-2021, 12:22 PM

I travelled from the UK for ASW in Chicago 2020. It was amazing. We went to the events on Friday and Saturday night (going to the dunk contest was on my bucket list), but not the main ASG itself (funds only went so far...). We got tickets through NBA Events, but there were also loads of things on in the city throughout the weekend. Had a blast.

If you don't go to the game itself, the one thing I would recommend is going to is the ASG practice - it's usually the day before the game, and you get to see all the players etc. up close. It was super easy to get tickets for this.

GOATMJ · 12-27-2021, 12:45 PM

I participated in the 2000 All Star weekend in Oakland, CA as a volunteer (was 17 years old at the time) with one of my best buddies. It was an AWESOME experience. We helped pass out materials, supervise games for children, count inventory, etc. but we also had passes to watch the slam dunk contest, the all-star game, etc. I remember there were a lot of vendors there selling basketball cards and wax which we got at a discount and ripped open when we got back home. I forgot what we pulled but I remember we were jumping up and down because we pulled a pretty nice Jordan card.

Asian62150 · 12-27-2021, 01:25 PM

I've been to a few ASWs. Tons of fun walking around and seeing current and former NBA players.

In order of best bang for the buck for the ticketed events is:

-All-Star Practice (usually includes the Jam Session fan event)
-Rookie Game (Friday night)
-Saturday Night
-ASG

Unless you're sitting close, it's better to watch Saturday night and ASG on TV.

A true hidden gem is the All-Star Chapel service on Sunday morning.

MANNAXMAN · 12-27-2021, 06:15 PM

I went to All Star Weekend in 2000. I bought Warriors season tickets that year specifically so that I could get tickets for the All Star Game. Sold most of the regular season tickets. Got to see Vince Carter win the Slam Dunk Competition and won a Sony Discman for being in the section that he represented.

sandlotsportcards · 12-27-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJKards

Season tickets holders of the home team (in your case, the Cavs) will get priority on the allotment that the NBA has given out to them.

In the case of the Hornets, they did a lottery for season ticket holders.

How the Cavs will do their share is up to them.

I remember that Saturday and Sunday were not packaged together.

The rest of the tickets are distributed by the NBA. Nice way of saying sponsers/celebs/VIPs/etc get them.

I was living in Vegas during the 2007 weekend. That was an experience in itself. Things were seen that can't be discussed.

I’m a season ticket holder and didn’t get offered any events outside of pre-sell access to the practice and Rising Stars game. I had been saving my credit from selling tickets only to find out I couldn’t use it. Needless to say I am a little irritated that I couldn’t use the credit and I wasn’t offered any other events.

WaveDaFlag · 12-27-2021, 10:33 PM

Vegas ASG weekend was horrific. So many people were jumping out of cabs without paying and people were ditching their tables at restaurants without paying. Talked to many employees in the weeks after and they said they would go on strike if the ASG was brought back to Vegas. It was disgusting behavior all over the place, even for Las Vegas standards.

Lankybox · 12-27-2021, 11:43 PM

I went to Kobe's last ASG in Toronto.

Helluva experience. I suggest for you to not bring a car though. Traffic and parking will fot sure be a nightmare

dkcardman · 12-28-2021, 09:12 AM

Went to Atlanta in 2003. Was the last AS fame for Jordan. So fun at it was completely star studded and the audience had famous people up into the rafter seats. Went into double OT also. Was a fantastic game.

padsfan10 · 12-28-2021, 02:07 PM

Went to 2011 weekend in LA. Believe my nephew got something signed by Steph Curry. It was a fun time, plenty to do.

asujbl · 12-28-2021, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandlotsportcards

I’m a season ticket holder and didn’t get offered any events outside of pre-sell access to the practice and Rising Stars game. I had been saving my credit from selling tickets only to find out I couldn’t use it. Needless to say I am a little irritated that I couldn’t use the credit and I wasn’t offered any other events.

We did in 1996

I got offered all types of stuff (my Dad did) in 96 as Cavs ticket holders

12-26-2021, 02:28 PM	#1
jcardstore Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 21,965 Jcardstore	Who’s been to all star weekend? So with ASW being in Cleveland this year I’m planning on going. Having never gone before I have a couple questions: 1) when do the tickets usually go on sale? And are they sold through the NBA directly with some sort of lottery system? 2) is the game itself actually worth it? I don’t care about the price but watching the game on TV isn’t super exciting so not sure how much better it would be in person __________________ Just moonwalking through hell on my last brain cell

12-26-2021, 02:43 PM	#2
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,074 ohiosundevils	I went to Cleveland in 96 It was phenomenal. Everything about it. I was also 15 and Covid wasn’t a thing So grain of salt Saturday is far superior to Sunday __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

12-26-2021, 03:57 PM	#10
Chick Hearn Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,109 lakerfaninchicago petesportscards	Tickets via NBA.com - https://nbaevents.nba.com/experiences __________________ Collecting Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers Items The Collection - https://www.flickr.com/photos/27448927@N04/albums/

12-27-2021, 01:57 AM	#15
jfan2024 Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NJ/NY Posts: 1,948 jfan2024	Went some years ago when NYC hosted. Got tickets through the Nets as a package plan holder. Only went for Friday and Saturday night, atmosphere was better Saturday night (one of the years LaVine won), but Friday night was actually my favorite. A little more chill, an actual game with some high flying dunks. Also recommend you look into the fan experiences day of or before, some free showcases, swag, and events you can go to. __________________ Instagram: NetsEdge15

12-27-2021, 01:25 PM	#18
Asian62150 Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 6,501 Asian62150	I've been to a few ASWs. Tons of fun walking around and seeing current and former NBA players. In order of best bang for the buck for the ticketed events is: -All-Star Practice (usually includes the Jam Session fan event) -Rookie Game (Friday night) -Saturday Night -ASG Unless you're sitting close, it's better to watch Saturday night and ASG on TV. A true hidden gem is the All-Star Chapel service on Sunday morning. __________________ IG: Asian62150

12-26-2021, 02:50 PM	#3
Spacemanspif Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 5,861 Spacemanspif	So, I didn't actually go to the game, but I was in Vegas during the year they had ASG in Las Vegas. It was... wild. If you are planning on getting a hotel or stopping by any bar or restaurant near the event center, make plans way ahead of time. There are going to be tons of ex-players and other NBA faces you recognize just walking around, and tons of hookers (and their bodymen) everywhere. I imagine going to the game would be cool, but usually the more exciting day for me is the Saturday night 3pt and dunk competitions, maybe try to get tickets for that one instead/too?

12-26-2021, 03:22 PM	#8
pingbling23 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 15,960 pingbling23	i would definitely try to do a package deal. saturday seems more fun on tv but the game would be worth it imo. its only once a year that you get to see a collection of great players in the same game and, as you know, less often its feasible that you can go to the game depending on where its at. if you go, post a recap of your experience, that would be fun.

12-26-2021, 08:40 PM	#13
byronscott4ever Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 11,394	Never been to an event outside of Jam Session in 1994. I was told that having season tickets wasn’t a guarantee to get to the game but I think most ST holders were able to get a chance buy something. Apparently the league controls a lot of the tickets.

12-27-2021, 12:22 PM	#16
flicks09 Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: UK Posts: 94 flicks09	I travelled from the UK for ASW in Chicago 2020. It was amazing. We went to the events on Friday and Saturday night (going to the dunk contest was on my bucket list), but not the main ASG itself (funds only went so far...). We got tickets through NBA Events, but there were also loads of things on in the city throughout the weekend. Had a blast. If you don't go to the game itself, the one thing I would recommend is going to is the ASG practice - it's usually the day before the game, and you get to see all the players etc. up close. It was super easy to get tickets for this.

12-27-2021, 12:45 PM	#17
GOATMJ Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 425	I participated in the 2000 All Star weekend in Oakland, CA as a volunteer (was 17 years old at the time) with one of my best buddies. It was an AWESOME experience. We helped pass out materials, supervise games for children, count inventory, etc. but we also had passes to watch the slam dunk contest, the all-star game, etc. I remember there were a lot of vendors there selling basketball cards and wax which we got at a discount and ripped open when we got back home. I forgot what we pulled but I remember we were jumping up and down because we pulled a pretty nice Jordan card.

12-27-2021, 10:33 PM	#21
WaveDaFlag Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 47	Vegas ASG weekend was horrific. So many people were jumping out of cabs without paying and people were ditching their tables at restaurants without paying. Talked to many employees in the weeks after and they said they would go on strike if the ASG was brought back to Vegas. It was disgusting behavior all over the place, even for Las Vegas standards.

12-27-2021, 11:43 PM	#22
Lankybox Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 278	I went to Kobe's last ASG in Toronto. Helluva experience. I suggest for you to not bring a car though. Traffic and parking will fot sure be a nightmare

12-28-2021, 09:12 AM	#23
dkcardman Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Buford, Ga Posts: 2,530 dkcardman dkcardman	Went to Atlanta in 2003. Was the last AS fame for Jordan. So fun at it was completely star studded and the audience had famous people up into the rafter seats. Went into double OT also. Was a fantastic game.

12-28-2021, 02:07 PM	#24
padsfan10 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,083	Went to 2011 weekend in LA. Believe my nephew got something signed by Steph Curry. It was a fun time, plenty to do.