The American Basketball Association (ABA) has announced a new series of basketball tournaments to benefit local charity organizations. The inaugural tournament will take place at noon on Oct. 22 at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, followed by a talent showcase and concert featuring the Circle City Band.
“We have chosen to focus our efforts on issues that many communities face: teen violence, bullying and veterans’ needs,” said Joe Newman, president of the ABA. “The ABA is fortunate to have a platform to draw attention to these serious issues — and rather than sitting on the sidelines — actually do something to combat them.”
The “First to 50” tournament was designed for the digital age and made for television, combining music with the game and including new rules and playing structure that will make every possession count.
Instead of quarters and halves, two teams will play the best of three rounds. The first team to reach 50 points will win the first round and advance to the second round. If a third round is necessary, the first team to reach 21 points will win. Four ABA teams will participate in the inaugural game, including the Indy Naptown All Stars, Kentucky Enforcers, Kalamazoo Cobras and West Michigan Lake Hawks. The tournament will be televised on FUBU-TV and Sports Radio America.
The ABA plans to hold additional “First to 50” tournaments and events across the country. The upcoming tournaments are contracted to air on ESPN.
The proceeds from the Indianapolis event will benefit the following organizations:
Angels & Doves — anti-bullying organization
Unity 4 Life — anti-teen violence efforts
Veterans Support Council of Marion County — veterans’ events and programs
American Legion, Carmel Post — veterans’ events and programs
Shortridge High School — school supplies for IPS students
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at showclix.com/event/first-to-50-tournament. The ticket price includes the “First to 50” tournament, talent showcase and concert.
The ABA, which was founded Indianapolis, is the largest professional sports league in the country with more than 100 teams. It prides itself on being a diversified professional sports league with approximately 75 percent of its teams owned by African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, women and people with disabilities.
