Charlotte to host NBA All-Star game in 2019
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- The NBA is returning the All-Star game to Charlotte in 2019 after the repeal of North Carolina's controversial law restricting the rights of LGBT people.
The Charlotte Observer reports the NBA and the City of Charlotte have finalized the details and will make the official announcement later today.
Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement:
"We are thrilled the league has awarded NBA All-Star 2019 to the city of Charlotte. We want to thank Commissioner Silver for his leadership throughout this process and for the decision to bring NBA All-Star back to Buzz City. All-Star Weekend is an international event that will provide a tremendous economic impact to our community while showcasing our city, our franchise and our passionate Hornets fan base to people around the world. We look forward to serving as hosts for NBA All-Star 2019 and welcoming all visitors and guests to Spectrum Center."
Reacting to the news, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said:
"Today's NBA announcement is positive news for Charlotte. Hosting the All-Star Game will pump millions of dollars into our economy and provide an incredible showcase for our state, but it will also remind us of the work that remains to ensure equal rights and protections for all North Carolinians. I'm glad the NBA recognizes the progress we've made and will continue to be a partner as we push for statewide LGBT protections."
The NBA moved the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte because it felt the law known as House Bill 2 was discriminatory.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the NBA All-Star Game here in 2019," said Tom Murray, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. "This is the largest event both Charlotte and the state of North Carolina have hosted since the 2012 Democratic National Convention. We're incredibly appreciative to the NBA for putting its trust in Charlotte to carry out such a significant event and look forward to expertly executing alongside supportive partners such as the Hornets, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the organizing committee to make this a huge economic success for our city."
Gay-rights advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union have denounced the North Carolina legislation to undo HB2 as inadequate.
The North Carolina Values Coalition, which was a strong supporter of HB2, welcomed the NBA's news.
"We're pleased that the NBA has seen the fallacy of the economic boycott that they launched against the state of North Carolina last year and has come to its senses," said Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of NCVC. "North Carolinians deserve the freedom to live and work according to their beliefs and to protect their own privacy in places like bathrooms and locker rooms without outside interference or punishment from the government or outside groups like the NBA."
