DAHLONEGA - The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to North Georgia Thursday.
Known for their basketball skills, entertainment value and family atmosphere, the Globetrotters will be at the UNG Convocation Center. The show will start at 7 p.m. as part of their 2018 World Tour.
"Events like this that cater to the entire northeast Georgia community and beyond are exactly what the university had in mind when it made plans build this facility three years ago," said Brent Jenn, Convocation Center operations manager. "We are extremely excited to bring the Harlem Globetrotters to the UNG Convocation Center. They are a well-established family entertainment event that is fun for all ages."
UNG will mark one of 250 stops in North American cities on this tour for the Globetrotters.
TNT Lister, who in 2011 became the first female Harlem Globetrotter since 1993, said the community involvement and family atmosphere are integral parts of the organization.
"We have an absolute blast on the court," she said. "We have a lot of fun and the fans do as well. It's a good time."
While Lynette Woodard was the first female Harlem Globetrotter, Lister is grateful for her trailblazing role, which helped open the door for more women to join the team since her arrival.
"When I first got on the team, I didn't know how it was going to turn out," Lister said. "Fortunately for me, the guys were absolute class acts. They were very welcoming and professional."
While some activities may be more geared toward parents, children or grandchildren, Lister said the Globetrotters' beauty is their universal appeal.
"We appeal to everyone in the house," Lister said. "We take pride as an organization that puts a smile on the whole family's face."
Founded in 1926, the Globetrotters roster features showmen like Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, Ant Atkinson, and Hammer Harrison, as well as fan favorites Firefly Fisher, Bull Bullard, Thunder Law and Cheese Chisholm. The team also features the largest female roster in team history, including Lister, Hoops Green, Torch George, Swish Young, and Mighty Mortimer. Rosters vary in each city and are subject to change.
Tickets are available at ticketweb.com and at the UNG bookstores on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.
