Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority to Host 2013 NBA D-League Showcase

2012-05-30

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) will again host the NBA Development League Showcase at the Reno Events Center, NBA D-League President Dan Reed announced today at Mendive Middle School. Reed was joined at the press conference by Reno Bighorns Managing Partner Herb Santos, Jr., Christopher Baum, President & CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, and Bighorns head coach Paul Mokeski.  The 2013 NBA D-League Showcase, which will feature all 16 NBA D-League teams, will run from Jan. 7-10, and will mark the second-consecutive year the RSCVA will host the event in Reno. 
 
“We’re excited to bring the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase back to Reno,” said Reed. “The Showcase has become the premiere in-season scouting event for top NBA prospects, and last year's event in Reno was no exception as more than 20 of the 160 players that participated received GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA.  Players, coaches, and NBA scouts were very pleased with their experience so we’re thrilled to again partner with the RSCVA to shine basketball’s spotlight on Reno for four days in January.”  
 
Conceived prior to the 2004-05 season, the NBA D-League Showcase provides an opportunity for NBA D-League players and coaches to perform in front of NBA general managers, player personnel executives and scouts over four consecutive days at one location.  The 2013 event will feature each NBA D-League team competing in two games each over four days.
 
“This will be the first time in the history of the NBA Development League, that the Showcase has been held back to back at the same location.  The fact that the Showcase is returning to Reno confirms that Reno is a true family friendly destination and recognizes the first rate hospitality of our numerous resorts,” said Herb Santos, Jr. Reno Bighorns Managing Partner.  “I am excited that NBA fans throughout the world will be able to watch future NBA players compete in beautiful Reno, Nevada.  We will be working on creating affordable packages for fans to be able to come to Reno, watch high caliber professional basketball and enjoy what our area has to offer in world class ski resorts.”  
 
"Partnering with the NBA Development League and the Reno Bighorns to once again host the NBA Development League Showcase means that locals, and visitors, will have the privilege of watching talented athletes, many of whom they will soon see on NBA teams, in a fantastic Western setting," said Christopher Baum, President and CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. "It also echoes this destination's passion for sports, and our ability to produce successful sporting events of all kinds. We couldn't be more excited about the Showcase returning to the area."  
 
The Bighorns are coming off a successful 2011-12 campaign in which three players earned GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA.  In all, the 2011-12 NBA D-League season saw 60 GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA, while 27 percent of players on 2012 NBA end of season rosters boasted NBA D-League experience.  During its eight-year history, more than 35 NBA D-League players have earned GATORADE Call-Ups from the NBA D-League to the NBA during or in the week after the NBA D-League Showcase, while an even larger number benefited from the exposure afforded them at the NBA D-League Showcase. 
 
Game times as well as the broadcast schedule for the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase will be announced at a later date.
 
Tickets to the event are available by calling the Bighorns office at 775-284-2622 and can be purchased by the day or in multi-day packages.  Single day passes are $10 for general admission or $50 for courtside seats.  Until June 15, single day general admission tickets will be discounted to $7.  At the general admission level, a three-day pass is $25 and a four-day pass is $30.  For multi-day courtside seats, packages are $65 for three days and $75 for all four days of the event.