February 14, 2021. It’s a date most hard-core professional basketball fans here locally will undoubtedly look forward to. Yes, it’s official. Indianapolis has been entrusted by the NBA to host the 70th version of its All-Star Game. Citing the experience our city has in orchestrating marquee sporting events, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has green lighted our community with the responsibility of making the game and all it represents, look great to all the millions of people who watch it on television around the globe.
However, if you’re an avid fan of the game, you won’t have much chance to purchase a ticket, as the league retains the majority of the ducats for their distribution. Sure there’s all the ancillary events showcased on the days preceding the game, which will be conducted at Lucas Oil Stadium, but attending the game itself is, for the most part, reserved for the V.I.P. types, corporate sponsors, and celebrities.
How can Indianapolis make this sacred hoops gala better? Well there are a number of subtle things that can be done within the parameters governed by the league, but one significant thing that can be achieved is the union between corporate Indianapolis and those less fortunate in our community. That, in itself, goes hand in hand with the projected economic impact figures that will soon be bantered around in an attempt to justify the significant expenditures related to successfully hosting the event.
While the NBA itself leaves a positive footprint in the host city after they leave, how can Indianapolis and for that matter, the state of Indiana use the game to create resources for the most vulnerable in our communities? Sure the players will commit a percentage of the monies they receive for participating in the contest, and they did just that to the tune of over $400,000 this past weekend in Charlotte, where the game was played. That equates to roughly 25 percent of their take, and while that number could increase, how can those locally in charge of the event widen the scope and convince the larger corporations in town to donate even more?
Traditional advertising aside, can they harness the aforementioned corporate wealth and partner with them to assist local food banks, domestic violence shelters, schools, and health clinics? Those are just a few worthy recipients who would greatly benefit from such generosity, and it’s all there for the taking, or as I like to say, for the giving.
If we are going to ask taxpayers to foot the tab for the increased police and safety services that will undoubtedly be necessary, as well as a portion of the overall expenditures they must absorb, then there must be a way for meaningful offsetting donations to be made as well. Simply put, its not only a chance to shine on a worldwide stage in terms of the game and the telecast, but to also distinguish ourselves accordingly in terms of the impact that can be made in the lives of so many others.
As the host team, the Pacers themselves must now lead the charge in convincing their corporate neighbors that it’s more than just good business to get involved with a process that recognizes the opportunity to serve those in need, and to deliver assistance to those who will never have the luxury of attending an NBA game.
They also must try to put some children in the seats they receive tickets for, specifically those who are impoverished and unfortunately, at risk. While they certainly do a lot for our community year round, it’s time to increase those efforts accordingly for what they will be asking of the entire city, and not just the corporations they’ll do business with for this event. Collectively, there are more than enough heavy hitters in this city to make the game a success, and also make the game off the court an even greater one.
Danny Bridges, who never registered an assist in his rather pedestrian basketball career, but does believe we all have an obligation to assist the less fortunate, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
