I always loved basketball, first as an admirer, then as a player, then as a coach, and 
always as a fan but attending NBA All-Star 2013 was much more than just attending a game. Being a dedicated fan is a lifestyle and being immersed in that lifestyle was an eye-opening, life-altering experience. I’m already planning my next sporting event. It’s like living in a constant state of adrenaline-filled exuberance. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, actually being in the crowd is an amazing feeling. Try it once and I bet you’ll be hooked like me.
Here are 5 great moments from NBA All-Star 2013:
Number 5: The Exclusive Hospitality Suite
As I walked into the exclusive in-arena game hospitality suite before NBA All-Star 2013, I stepped into another world. There were hostesses; there were bar tenders; there were greeter; there were event organizers. All were ready to wait on our beck and call. There was food, drinks, and treats in almost every corner of the room. Even the lights created a “red carpet”, exclusive setting. I could have quite possibility been the most excited person in the entire building. This is what dreaming while awake feelings like.
Number 4: Meeting Players
Friendly, cute, and a great player, Chandler Parsons is a slam dunk. I almost expected him to be dismissive, annoyed with the idea that he had to sign more autographs and waste his time, but he was personable and easy-going. I took video and photos and he signed a picture of himself. He talked to me and took a few minutes to make sure I had a memorable moment. He was a true star.
Darryl Dawkins, AKA Chocolate Thunder, is an entertainer, a player on and off the court. “Chocolate Thunder” is one of those men that are flirty in a harmless way. His massive size is a lot less intimidating when dressed in a salmon-colored suit and his smile is contagious. He autographed a photo for me and an additional one that I could take home for Darren. His quick wit was a welcomed addition to the evening and made me even more pumped for the game.
Number 3: Meeting Passionate Kids
Meet Jackson and Tara, an inspirational mother and son team who attended NBA All-Star 2013. Tara recently told Jackson that they could go on a vacation to pretty much anywhere and Jackson chose NBA All-Star 2013 in Houston. This is what being a true fan is all about. Their passion and energy brought a smile to my face every time I saw them. I wanted to be around them; I wanted to be part of their excitement. Just being near Jackson reminded me of how great the game truly is.
Number 2: 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
Terrence Ross put on a awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping dunking extravaganza when he threw down some serious dunks to take home the crown. My video is a little too far away to give the full scope of his winning dunk so here’s a link to the NBA YouTube page.
Number 1: Watching the NBA All-Star Game
Watch this All-Star Sunday Mini-Movie from NBA.com
Are you excited? Has your heart rate sped up? Take that feeling and multiply it by a thousand and that’s what it feels like to be part of the crowd at the actual game. Fans were roaring, the announcer’s voice bellowed out above the crowd, the extreme dunks punched through everyone’s core in the stadium, and I was surrounded by it all of this electricity.
All of these moments came together to create the complete experience and I fell in love. The extreme adrenaline that I’ve thrived on in the past during experiences like skydiving and whitewater rafting is mirrored through attending sporting events at this level. The crowd, the players, the announcers, the workers, and the stadium is vibrating with energy. I’ve found a new addiction. When’s the next big game?
QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Draft. Official Ticket Packages are available through the NBA Events Program. NBA-Events.com is the website for Official Ticket Packages.
Bucket List Publications 
Leslie, come on now…how cool are you ! NBA Allstar Game. Wow! Your groove level does not stop rising. Thanks for enjoying my blog. Not sure if you remember, but it was about traveling and I am afraid my traveling is a bit different than yours. Still wonderful, but enjoyed in different ways. Keep growing Girl . Thanks, GrooveCentral LA.
LikeLike
Thank you! Everyone’s travels are different; that’s the beauty of traveling 🙂
What’s up next?
May the world be at your doorstep,
Lesley
LikeLike
That’s awesome. I grew up watching Darryl Dawkins at the Spectrum in Phila. Was there the night he shattered a backboard for the first time on the home floor. Most South Phila kids knew where Planet Lovetron (his home planet) was before we knew where Saturn was. Love that guy.
LikeLike
“Most South Phila kids knew where Planet Lovetron (his home planet) was before we knew where Saturn was.” Love this! He was super cool and really down-to-earth. It was an amazing experience. Have you ever met any players?
LikeLike
Yeah as a kid I met some players during the 1980 championship when the Lakers came to Phila. Met Dawkins, Caldwell Jones, Doug Collins and World B. Free. Also got to meet Kareem when he was walking off the court. Someone hit him with a popcorn box just as he walked over to us. It was crazy in there.
LikeLike
I have never been to an NBA game, but given the enthusiasm you’ve shared here, I may have to change that this upcoming season.
LikeLike
Go to one game and let me know what you think. It’s truly inspiring to be part of the crowd. 🙂
LikeLike
Lesley,
Jackson and I feel very fortunate to have met you! You were a highlight of our trip as well. This weekend was certainly one that more people should think of attending in the future. Thank you so much for your kind words. We had an absolute blast, I haven’t seen Jackson smile like that for awhile and the time we shared was incredibly special. Tara
LikeLike
Thank you Tara! I’m so glad to see that you’re already following along.
Jackson, I’ll post the videos and a few more photos soon.
Please stay in touch and if you find yourself in North Carolina or Nova Scotia, please let me know.
🙂
LikeLike
absolutely will keep in touch and you can bet if ever I get the chance I will look you up. Same goes for you when you get to Alaska again
LikeLike
That was awesome!!!!
LikeLike
Very cool. Your blog has me brainstorming on something I’ve always wanted to do……I’ll let you know if it works out.
LikeLike
Share it with me 🙂 Once you write it, you’ll find a way to make it happen. I’d love to hear it.
LikeLike
Hello Leslie. I’m just checking in to see how your bucket list is doing, and it seems like its doing great. I think that a lot can be learned from people like you. They lack the sense to be cynical, and as a result, they move mountains. I will always respect that. Thank you again for enjoying Gaseimasha. I’m glad that you’re living the dream. 🙂
LikeLike
What a cool thing to do!!!
LikeLike
Love this…I have to be honest, I’ve divorced sports–my husband doesn’t watch them, and we strayed away. I was a lifelong fan, but it got to be like when you leave a soap opera behind. Suddenly I had tons of time…it was awesome. But this makes me miss my Knicks/UConn games…
LikeLike
Hey Lesley, I’m really impressed. I wish you were here so we could talk. Oh well, I guess for now I”ll be watching from afar as I continue to ride the journey God has given to me. Send me another wave sister… Always on the journey to a deeper place at… http://purposepages.com/ (Glad you enjoyed the NBA… I’m a NFL guy myself. Vikings!)
LikeLike
WHAT a great time you’re having! Be Blessed, http://projectsbyMtetar.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Totally awesome post!
Looks like you had a great time hanging with the who’s-who of basketball…glad you had a good time. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! Although I haven’t heard of him….. Chandler Parsons is rather attractive 😉 Looks like so much fun!
http://sophiebowns.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
His personality is equally attractive 😉
LikeLike
Loved reading about this adventure Lesley!
LikeLike
This is awesome! I come out here to chill out after a day’s hard work. Completely random, and completely true info. awesome!awesome!awesome!
LikeLike
I love reading about all of your adventures! I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!
LikeLike
Dear Lesley, I nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award … reading posts about your adventures has been a real pleasure. Nick Owchar (Call of the Siren)
Here’s the link:
http://nickowchar.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/only-connect-bloggers-who-inspire-me/
LikeLike
Looks like the All-Star weekend made a big impression on you. Congratulations.
LikeLike
Have you ever gone?
LikeLike
Thank you so so so so much for sharing all these awesome stuff about this event. Reading about it is so cool and I can only imagine how good it must be to be there. I secretly envy you a little 😉 Great story about a great adventure anyway!
LikeLike
I love your blog, I wish I could work doing what I love 🙂 Envy, but in a good way ❤
LikeLike
Awesome! Great video posts. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Awesome! Good for you!!!
LikeLike
Awesome post…felt like we were there with you reading this ..full of enthusiasm..thank you so much for sharing this..have lots of fun 🙂
LikeLike
great post!! thanks for sharing Lesley !
LikeLike
Look at that suit! haha. I want one. 😀
LikeLike
Totally you! Just add a tongue ring 😉
LikeLike
What a great experience. I am sure it was electrifying! I will never forget the pro games I’ve been to. I love your idea and follow through with the bucket list. I’ve got one going for traveling and it’s the best feeling to tick a trip off the list. However, like a good book, I never want the experience to end.
cheers!
LikeLike
Lucky you!!! I could only watch it online here in London! Well glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
That is AMAZING! An all-star game is definitely on my bucket-list!
Great post!!
LikeLike
I didn’t know you were in my town! hahaha
LikeLike
Pingback: 2013 Bucket List | Bucket List Publications
Pingback: Accepting Defeat or Recognizing Greatness | Bucket List Publications