Playoff Teams Atlanta and New Orleans to Face Off in Third Annual Event
For the third straight year, Jacksonville will be a destination for the NBA as the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans face off in a preseason game at Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday, Oct. 9.
The Hawks, who posted the best record in the Eastern Conference this season, will be playing a Pelicans team that advanced to the playoffs in the Western Conference for the first time since 2011.
“This year’s NBA game between two playoff teams showcases Jacksonville’s strong ability to host major events. We are excited that our partnership with the NBA will continue for a third successive year,” Mayor Alvin Brown said. “Our city’s record as a premier destination for sports and entertainment will only continue building momentum with this first-class show for basketball fans in 2015.”
The New Orleans Pelicans return to Jacksonville for the third year in a row. They feature All-NBA performer Anthony Davis coached by Alvin Gentry, who was an assistant coach for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors this past season.