2020 Albany Basketball Watch Party to precede three-day Fan Fest Wednesday, March 18; Thursday, March 19; and Saturday, March 21
ALBANY, NY – The Times Union Center will welcome local basketball fans to celebrate the return of one of the biggest annual events in sports to the Capital Region during the 2020 Albany Basketball Watch Party, presented by Breitling, on Sunday, March 15.
The event will be held at the Times Union Center Atrium from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
The festive atmosphere will feature large-screen televisions showcasing which teams from around the country will be headed to Albany, as well as music from a live DJ. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase.
“We are thrilled to kick off this exciting time by welcoming fans to the Times Union Center as we collectively learn which teams will be joining us in Albany. Our Watch Party is a great opportunity for the whole community to experience one of the best events in sports,” said Bob Belber, ASM Global General Manager of the Times Union Center.
The 2020 Albany Basketball Watch Party will launch a week of events designed to welcome fans to Albany for one of the most highly-anticipated sporting competitions of the year.
The centerpiece of the festivities will be the three-day 2020 Albany Basketball Fan Fest, which will take place at the Albany Capital Center on Wednesday, March 18 from noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, March 19 and Saturday, March 21. Event times for Thursday and Saturday will be available at AlbanyFanFest.com on Sunday, March 15. Admission is free.
Designed to introduce visitors to the best of Albany, the event will feature a showcase of local restaurants serving their top creations, as well as an outstanding lineup of beer, cider and seltzer at the Saratoga Eagle Beer Garden.
Participating restaurants include Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen; The Bishop; Cider Belly Doughnuts; City Beer Hall; Iron Gate Café; Jacob and Anthony’s; Mazzone Hospitality; Public House 42; Recovery Sports Grill; and Wellington’s.
The Saratoga Eagle Beer Garden will feature Bud Light Seltzer and offerings from Common Roots Brewing Company; Frog Alley Brewing Company; Goose Island Brewery; Michelob; Northway Brewing Co.; Paradox Brewery; Stella Artois and 1911 Cider. Details on the specific beverages and brands are available at AlbanyFanFest.com.
Food samples are $10 for five tasting tickets. Drink tasting tickets are $7 for three samples (cash only; must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID to purchase and consume alcohol).
The 2020 Albany Basketball Fan Fest will feature an exciting array of entertainment and activities, highlighted by performances from the Air Elite Dunkers, the official acrobatic dunk team for the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. The team will showcase their aerobatic skills on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 (times to be announced).
Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to display their skills during shooting contests on the Siena men’s basketball regulation home court, which will be relocated from the Times Union Center to the Albany Capital Center for the duration of the event. Other activities and entertainment will include performances from college pep bands, music from a live DJ and large-screen televisions.
Supporters of the 2020 Albany Basketball Fan Fest include the Albany Capital Center, Albany Convention Center Authority, Albany County, Ayco, Bolton St.-Johns, Breitling, CDTA, Discover Albany, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Dunkin’, Hearts on Fire, I LOVE NY, Northeastern Fine Jewelry, NYSCOPBA, Saratoga Eagle, SEFCU, Sports Foundation of the Capital Region, Times Union, Total Events and Upside Collective.
For more information about the 2020 Albany Basketball Fan Fest, visit AlbanyFanFest.com.