by Ashley Sowers and Shana Black
If you are anything like me, you were absolutely thrilled when the news of the All-Star game coming to Cleveland first broke. However, somehow with everything that has been going on in the world, time flew by and all of a sudden, it is practically here! Don’t get me wrong, I am still super excited–I just thought I might be a bit more prepared by now. And at Black Girl in the CLE, we still have a lot of questions about how we will be spending the weekend. So, we decided to do what we do best—investigate and then spill the tea. If you’re interested in participating in the festivities, but unsure where to start…we got you! Check here often for updates and answers to the questions we’re all asking.
First, what is All-Star Weekend?
If you don’t know, All-Star Weekend is a festival of events and games leading up to The All-Star Game, showcasing the NBA’s most talented players. There are a number of official events to partake in ranging in price from $200 to $19,000. In addition to NBA-hosted events, the city will be celebrating in tandem with a variety of unofficial experiences. So, if you are interested, there should be something for everyone.
Covid-19 entry protocal:
All fans attending NBA ticketed events must either be fully vaccinated (14 days past the final vaccination shot) or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending your first ticketed event. COVID-19 test needs to be taken no more than 2 days prior to the first event or you can provide a rapid antigen test collected on the day of the first ticketed event.
As with the Rock Hall induction ceremony, the NBA All-Star weekend will be using the CLEAR health pass app to streamline the entry process to the events.
Learn more about the NBA’s All-Star Health protocol for All-Star Weekend here
Official Schedule of Events
NBA Crossover (Public Auditorium) — Feb 18-20
Use Code: BlackGirlinCle to save on single-day purchases. Tickets can be purchased here
Friday, Feb 18
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10:00a Cleveland Power of Sport Summit
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10:30a Clorox Rising Stars Practice
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2:30p Lamar Stevens-NBA Crossover Appearance
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3:00p The Block
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3:30 Gary Payton NBA Crossover Appearance
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5:30p Hall of Fame Class of 2022 New Conference
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6:30p Darius Garland- NBA Crossover Appearance
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7:00p All-Star Celebrity Game
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9:00p Rising Stars showcase
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9:30 pm Nelly with Rese LAFLARE in concert (21 years of age or older)
Saturday, Feb 19
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10:00a Cleveland Power of Sport Summit
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11:00a NBA All-Star Practice Presented by AT&T
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12:00p Evan Mobley- Life as an NBA Rookie Panel at NBA Crossover
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12:30p Isaac Okoro- NBA Crossover Appearance
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1:00 pm Creator Studio
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1:30 WNBA 25: Past, Present & Future Panel
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2:00p Isiah Stewart- NBA Crossover Appearance
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2:00p Moondog- NBA Crossover Appearance
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3:00p Clyde Drexler- NBA Crossover Appearance
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3:00p Wally Szcerbiak- NBA Crossover Appearance
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7:00p Commissioner Adam Silver News Conference
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8:00p All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-PT Contest, Slam Dunk)
Sunday, Feb 20
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12:00p NBA Legends Brunch
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12:30p Bright Black, Creator Studio
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12:30p Evan Mobley-NBA Crossover
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1:30p Bill Walton-NBA Crossover Appearance
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3:00p Pregame Concert with Jack Harlow and Cautious Clay
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8:00p 71st NBA All-Star Game
Upcoming concert on Thursday at Coco’s Chalky Paints
A few other local events
(Be sure to check out our full list in our weekly email newsletter. Sign up here)
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Feb 18-20: Power of Sport Summit The Greater Cleveland Sports Association presents this free event that features local and national organizations who are using their voices to address topics related to adaptive sports, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ athletes, mental health, racial equity, and more.
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All-Star Weekend Party Pass
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Black Journalist All-Star Weekend Happy Hour & Kick-Off Party
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The Ultimate Day Party (MOCA CLE)
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Celebrity All-Star Game Afterparty Hosted by Love and Hip Hop’s Scrappy
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Cleveland All-Star Fitness Expo
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All-Star Friday with DJ Envy, Darius Garland, and DJ Ryan Wolf, and Jay Illa
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Stuck in the 90s All-Star Edition
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Henny, Chicken and Waffles All-Star Day Party Brunch
Your questions answered
Q: Best transportation downtown? We expect higher than “Event” pricing for parking downtown, especially near Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Consider taking the RTA or ride-sharing when heading to the event.
Q: Will bars and restaurants be open late? Not really, only 7 hotels have been approved to stay open until 4 am. Those hotels are;
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Hilton Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave.
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Hotel Indigo, 651 Huron Road.
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Metropolitan at the 9, 2017 E. 9th St.
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Westin Downtown, 777 St. Clair Ave.
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Betts at Kimpton Schofield Hotel, 2000 E. 9th St.
Q: Why are the All-Star game tickets so expensive? Clevelanders should get a discount!
There are a number of cost affordable fan-centered events planned for the weekend and remember we’ve been fortunate to be able to earn points to get free tickets. While we are only days away from the festivities there are still chances for you to win tickets and other items associated with All-Star weekend. Download the NBA Events app to scan QR codes by visiting local businesses or head over to Ice Buckets at Tower City to earn points to win official merchandise, gift cards or tickets
Q: So you have any info on standing-room-only tickets?
No, all ticket sales are set by the NBA and not the Cavs. You can ask the NBA your questions in the NBA events app in the Ask the NBA section
Q: Do you know of any parties during the All-Star weekend?
Refer to the growing list above for events and parties happening during the weekend. And make sure to come back for updates to the list.
Q: How do I stay informed about what’s happening?
Download the NBA Events app; this is also how you can scan QR Codes to earn points to win tickets!
Avoiding Downtown? We got you covered too!
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