Globetrotters to Play Historic Game On Ice in Central Park 2/9

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will become the first professional basketball team in history to play a game of hoops on ice when the "Ambassadors of Goodwill"^TM take on their longtime nemesis, the Washington Generals, at Lasker Rink in New York City's Central Park on Tuesday, February 9 at 12 p.m.

The historic game is a precursor to the six shows the Globetrotters will play in the New York City area from February 12 through 15, with games scheduled for New York's Madison Square Garden, Long Island's Nassau Coliseum and New Jersey's IZOD Center and Prudential Center.

"Throughout our history, the Globetrotters have had the opportunity to play in many unique venues, from battleships to bullfighting rings to empty swimming pools," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "So we're excited to make history yet again by becoming the first team in the world to play basketball on ice, and it's only fitting that we do so in New York City, where we have played some of the most memorable games in our 84-year history."

Five players from the Globetrotters, five players from the Generals, and one referee will use custom made "ice cleats" for traction during the historic game. Lasker Rink will set up two basketball hoops on both ends of the ice, and the game will also include an official Globetrotters public address announcer and scorekeeper.

"We excel on ice," said Generals Owner Red Klotz. "I've been asking for this game for years, and I'm glad the Globetrotters have finally given in. We look forward to trying to end our losing streak on February 9th."

The Globetrotters game on ice will add to a long history of playing in unique settings around the world. The trendsetters of basketball played a game on the roof of the Spectrum in Philadelphia in 2009, in addition to games on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, in front of 75,000 fans at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, on beaches, on a tennis court in Bermuda, on the floor of dusty bullrings, at the bottom of empty swimming pools, and at the Vatican in Rome, among other locations, since the team was founded in 1926.

The Globetrotters are inviting local youth hockey players and schools to attend the game as a reward for their hard work in the classroom and on the ice. Admission to the "ice game" is by invitation only for local youth groups and schools in the NYC area; interested program directors can email info@harlemglobetrotters.com for more information.

Fans can see the Globetrotters return to the basketball court-the traditional hardwood version-at Madison Square Garden (Friday, February 12 at 7 p.m.), IZOD Center (Saturday, February 13 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, February 14 at 1 p.m.), Prudential Center (Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.), and Nassau Coliseum (Monday, February 15 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Tickets for all NYC games (excluding the ice game) are now available online at www.ticketmaster.com or the respective arena box offices. Individual ticket information can also be found on the Harlem Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com, as well as info on group and scout tickets.