For the first time since 2006, the NBA will have a game in Puerto Rico, with the Miami Heat facing the Orlando Magic on the island.
PUBLICIDAD
The preseason game will take place on October 4th at the Coliseum of Puerto Rico, José Miguel Agrelot. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at a press conference in Miami.
PUBLICIDAD
The event is being organized through a partnership driven by the company VRDG Entertainment, Julio Cabral, CEO of Grupo VRDG - the parent company of the promoter, with the support of Carlos Arroyo, a legend of Puerto Rican basketball, former player of NBA teams, and the urban music artist, Anuel AA.
“Bringing the NBA to our island after 3 years of work is an honor that we thank the league, the Heat, the Magic, and the sponsors for. We must aspire to make history with a positive purpose and Carlos, Anuel, and the VRDG team hope to give fans a memorable experience,” Cabral expressed.
On the other hand, Carlos Arroyo shared that “I am proud to have achieved such a prestigious accomplishment. Bringing this event to Puerto Rico represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the NBA. Both Julio and I, and the entire team, deeply appreciate the trust placed in us to carry out this important event on our beautiful island.” Music star Anuel AA added: “This is more than basketball; it is for the culture, our identity. This event is unique and world-class because it integrates music, sports, our essence; it is who we are. Puerto Rico is a global market.”
Fans will be able to enjoy international stars like Bam Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist; the electrifying Tyler Herro, the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year; NBA champion Andrew Wiggins; young prospect Paolo Banchero, the 2024 Rookie of the Year and All-Star; and the talented Jalen Suggs, one of the most prominent emerging figures in the Magic.
“Puerto Rico is not just a destination, it is part of our history since we played here for the first time in 1993. Coming back is reconnecting with a community and a fan base that have always been part of the HEAT family,” said John Vidalin, Chief Commercial Officer of the Miami Heat.
It was announced that tickets will be on sale from Thursday, August 14th in an exclusive sale for Banco Popular customers, and the general sale will be starting on Friday, August 15th through Ticketera.
In the past, the Miami Heat has held several exhibition games on the island. In 1993 against the Denver Nuggets, in 1994 two against the Atlanta Hawks, in 2003 against the Philadelphia 76ers, in 2005 against the Memphis Grizzlies, and in 2006 against the Detroit Pistons.
The last two games (in 2005 and 2006) took place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, José Miguel Agrelot. Although further details have not been announced, it is expected that the game will be at the same venue. At that time, the Miami Heat had stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade on their roster. Meanwhile, the Pistons arrived with their team of veterans which included Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, among others. In that same season, the teams faced each other in the Eastern Conference finals, where the Heat emerged victorious, went to the finals, and then won the championship against the Dallas Mavericks.