The NBA All Star Weekend 2010 in Dallas was filled with snow, basketball, expensive parties, celebrities, events, and more snow sadly. Dallas was suppose to be lit on fire with the hot shots of the past, present, and future in sports- from NBA to NFL players. However, with the snowy weather that flew in with these hot shots, it slightly slowed people and the All Star weekend down.
According to news reports, the All Star Jam Sessions were almost completely empty on Thursday due to ice and snow, and those who did go only went because they already bought their tickets. But by Friday, with snowflakes stalling and schools closed, families made their way through the now-used-to-it snowy roads and packed their way into the Jam Sessions and other All Star events, including me.
Despite the Dallas record-breaking weather, people and stars came to enjoy the concerts, parties, games, and shows the weekend promised. I attended the Friday night Jam Session, which featured basketball legends, games and venues for all ages, and the Slam-dunk Showdown event. Jam Sessions are an event for patient people. The venues and games are all closely packed together throughout the arena, along with long lines and a lot of people. Most of the attendees that night were waiting to get into the free Slam-dunk Showdown event, which was after the celebrity game where many of us could not afford to go.
Oddly, the Jam Session was filled with confused people waiting in multiple lines trying to get into one place, and few staffers lifted a hand or voice to help and direct. Sadly, the event was a little disorganized. One of the attendees I spoke with stated that he went to the All Star Jam Sessions in Phoenix and it was “nothing like Dallas.” He said the events and arena was more organized and displayed better.
However, this was no ordinary slam-dunk showdown; this show also featured Grammy-nominated artist Drake and all-star basketball hero LeBron James. Drake performed his popular hit singles with a high energy and simplicity, displaying no flash of costumes, dancers, or lights. Lebron James was a true host, getting out on the court helping with dunk stunts and judging the contest.
The contest showed non-NBA players putting their skills to the test by showcasing their best dunk stunts to the crowd. Some made it in......some didn't....but they all looked good trying.
The event overall was great, especially since it was free- a rare occurrence during All Star weekend. It was a long, worthwhile event that all ages could enjoy and afford. I appreciate all who funded and put the show together, because it made many people’s day to come out in the freezing weather and still enjoy a night of game and show with their families.
©ALN