NBA Jam Van presented by EA SPORTS and Hannspree returns to Europe for the second consecutive year with a schedule reaching five countries across 40 tour dates, it was announced today by the National Basketball Association (NBA). Jam Van, the NBA's biggest touring grassroots program, reached over 1 million fans in its inaugural year and will tip off in the UK with a visit to London on July 2, 4 and 5 . Jam Van will travel over 10,000 kms across France, Germany, Italy and the UK, culminating in Spain on Oct. 8.
NBA Jam Van is a state-of-the-art 16-meter 18-wheel truck that transforms into 1000m² of basketball and interactive activities. Free of charge to fans of all ages, NBA Jam Van combines two basketball areas containing three different size baskets together with a multitude of interactive elements and entertainment.
The first stop of Jam Van is scheduled for July 2, 4 and 5 at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, venue of the London Youth Games finals, which the NBA supports. Additional UK stops include Liverpool (July 7-8), Glasgow (July 11) and Birmingham (July 13). Jam Van will also be on-hand for NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS, when the Chicago Bulls take on the Utah Jazz at The O2 on Oct. 6.
"We are always looking for ways to bring basketball closer to our fans in Europe. With the support of EA SPORTS and Hannspree, NBA Jam Van is able to deliver a unique, fun and interactive experience in five countries," said Sophie Goldschmidt, Managing Director, NBA EMEA.
Jon Rosenblatt, Senior Director of EA SPORTS for Europe noted, "EA SPORTS have been proud partners with the NBA since 1991 and we are excited to partner with them again this year on Jam Van and NBA Europe LIVE. It is a fantastic way for us to help the NBA to grow the sport of basketball on a grassroots level with kids and teenagers across Europe."
The Jam Van Center Court will be the hub of activity where fans can play one-on-one games and participate in a number of contests including free throw shooting and slam dunks on baskets of varying heights. Fans can further test their basketball ability at the Skills Challenge area where dribbling and shooting skills are measured.
Off-court activities at Jam Van include the chance to play the latest EA SPORTS games including NBA LIVE at the NBA Jam Van Video Arcade; fans can also take time out from playing to watch the latest NBA action at the state-of-the-art video wall or have their picture taken on the new ‘Green Screen'. Fans will also be able to measure-up to life-size replicas of their favorite NBA and WNBA players or enjoy the performances of the NBA mascots and Dance Teams.
Additional event details and up-to-date schedule can be found at
www.nba.com/jamvan
