The NBA really knows how to throw a party. The All-Star game hasn't been in New York since I was too young to know what to do with a basketball. They also had never heard of a Jam Session back then. Jam Session is basically a party sponsored by Fleer each year in the host city of the NBA All-Star game. This year the party was rocking at the Jacob Javits Center and I was there.
Lines, Crowds, and Metal Detectors
My first impression was that I couldn't believe how many people were there. I showed up about an hour early for Saturday's session and the lines were already huge as people had heard about how hard it was to get in the first two days. After waiting for a bit more than an hour we made our way to the entrance which required you to go through a metal detector. I've got no problem with security, but unfortunately with such a huge crowd it slowed things down.
Something for Everyone
Once inside you can't believe the size. Using four huge halls downstairs and the Center Court area upstairs there had to be something for everyone in attendance. Everywhere you looked you could see huge hanging banners featuring some of the most memorable plays and players in NBA history. It was great to see fathers taking pictures of their children standing next to a banner of a star of the 60's or 70's. Screens are set up all over showing events happening on Center Court or videos of old All-Star games and Slam Dunk contests.
Look Ma, I can slam!
The biggest draw for the kids were the numerous interactive basketball games. Courts were set up all over the place giving kids (and adults) the chance to try their hand at various shooting games. Some of the crowd favorites were Elastic Basketball sponsored by Topps, where you get hooked to a bungee cord then jump down, bounce up, and make your shot. The Nestle Crunch Slam Dunk court was also hopping as you could pick the right sized hoop (7, 8, or 9 feet) and go up for the big slam.
Everyone's Signing
If you didn't mind standing in line and you love getting autographs then the American Express Autograph Stage was the place to hang out. With all the players and celebs in town for the game you could see almost anyone sitting on the stage. I didn't wait in line, but I did snap off some pictures of Rebecca Lobo, Charles Oakley, and super model Tyra Banks (won't Lil Penny be jealous of me). The only problem beside the line was that sometimes by the time you made it to the front your favorite had left the stage and you ended up with another star signature, but I don't think anyone was complaining since the autographs were always free.
White Men CAN Jump
The highlight of Saturday's events happened on Center Court where the events ran all day. If you were able to secure special tickets then your day began with the All-Star practices. First the West and then the East All-Stars too the court for an hour of practice with their new teammates. Unfortunately Michael Jordan was too sick to make the practice, but there were 23 other stars there running some plays, horsing around, and putting on a good show for the audience. If you didn't have a ticket you could always watch the action on any of the video displays around the halls.
After the practice sessions the bleachers were opened up for everyone on a first come, first served basis. The first event was the Fleer ShootAround which found Charles Oakley, Sam Cassell, Steve Smith, and Tim Hardaway shooting it out from eight spots on the court. In the end Hardaway was the fastest and took home the check (for charity) and a box of Fleer trading cards.
Next on the schedule was the Celebrity Slam Dunk contest and considering that there was no All-Star dunk contest this year, this was the next best thing. Jason Sehorn of the New York Giants thrilled the home-town crowd with some power dunks and proved that white men can indeed dunk.
After an entertaining break while watching the mascots of many NBA (and WNBA) teams performing wild slams with the aid of a mini-tramp, the celebs came back for the Celebrity All-Star game. Coach Charles Oakley's Blue squad took out John Starks' Black team 55-53, but just getting to see the stars was what brought most people into the bleachers. Baseball's Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield were joined by boxers Roy Jones Jr. and Thomas Hearns, NFL stars Wayne Chrebet and Tyrone Wheatley, tennis sisters Venus and Serena Williams and many more in a full court game that was all action and great fun.
All this and sportscards too...
The Kenner Card and Collectibles area was another hot place to be if you wanted to take a break from the fun and games. Some great deals were to be found on single cards, packs, boxes, and memorabilia. Most of the dealers were featuring basketball items which seemed appropriate, although you could also find the rest of the sports represented. I'm not sure I'd go to this just for the card show, but when you include it with the rest of the fun it added to my enjoyment.
Planning ahead for '99
If you weren't able to get to New York this weekend then it's not too early to look ahead to 1999. The All-Star game moves down the road a bit to Philadelphia and Jam Session is sure to be just as big a hit. I'm looking forward to spending a few days there next year and I'll keep reminding you as the time gets near.
You might notice that I don't have any photos of Jam Session. The truth is that they're being developed right now, but they probably won't be nearly as good as the pictures on the NBA.com site that I've linked to throughout the article. If you didn't do any clicking while you were reading then go back and check it out as you'll be amazed at the sights. Until next week, enjoy your collecting!
CHAT