Our First Time Seeing The Harlem Globetrotters in Raleigh

If you followed my last post about my first trip to see The Harlem Globetrotters at The PNC Arena, then you should recall that my husband and I were able to see this popular team for their 90th-anniversary tour this past weekend in Raleigh, NC.  You’ll be pleased to know that the comical basketball group definitely lived up to the hype! Having done my research, I knew what to expect somewhat, but I was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was, even for my childless husband and I. We certainly felt like the odd men out at first since we were basically surrounded by tons of families with excited children, but we quickly settled in and enjoyed the show for what it was: a display of overly-talented players showing off their skills with spouts of hilarious commentary and antics in between.

Enjoy the show @ragopotato! – We’re ready for the #HarlemGlobetrotters in Raleigh! Thanks @ncbloggernetwork for the opportunity. #PNCArena @pncarena @harlemglobetrotters

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The show began with the team’s announcer getting the crowd excited for the team’s performance by introducing Globie and the “Globie Crew”. The trio crew showed off their insane dance moves to some fun tunes while we all watched in awe. My personal favorite member of the Globie Crew was Tiny Tim, one of the breakdancers of the group. He had my husband looking like a kid in a candy store; seriously such an amazing dancer. But of course, the stars of the show were the team’s mascots, “Globie” and “Big G” (because who doesn’t love a 10-foot inflatable that dances to Beyonce while balancing on their head?)

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Harlem Globetrotters Face World Allstars at The PNC Arena

The game began with The Harlem Globetrotters facing one of their toughest opponents, The World Allstars (oooooh, ahhhh). I was instantly impressed with Globetrotter star Stretch’s dunking abilities and how easy he made it look. I gave my hubby a “Don’t you think I could do that?” glance, and I’m assuming his uncontrollable laughter meant no… Whatever. I’m coming for ya, Stretch. The team battled against The World Allstars, using their quick passing skills to confuse the opposing players (and myself). There were players standing on the basket, somersaulting across the floor, jumping unbelievably high into the air, and then there was Globetrotter player, Too Tall Hall… jumping on the referee’s back. Classic. He was probably my favorite player of the afternoon! He and teammate, Thunder, took turns dropping it low on the dance court, much to the coaches’ dismay and the crowd’s delight.

The game came to a pause for a halftime show by a local dance team, Starpath Dance Academy. I loved the local aspect of it, and how The Globetrotters included this team’s performance as part of their event! That’s going to be a great memory for those girls to look back on someday. When The Globetrotters returned from the halftime rest, they certainly didn’t slack off on continuing to entertain and amaze us all. Different team members, like the team’s only female player of the game, Sweet J, took turns inviting kids and adults from the crowd to partake in their humorous skits. There were fake marriages, dance battles, and shoot-offs that kept us on the edges of our seats waiting for the next lucky “victim” to be chosen.

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The iconic Globetrotters defeated The World Allstars; the perfect way to celebrate their 90th anniversary! I’m pretty sure the pre-teen boys next to us were a little bummed about The Globetrotters’ victory since they were rooting for The Allstars the whole game (oh to be 13 again). Some other aspects of the event that I loved (other than the game of course), was how The Globetrotters provided people the opportunity to sponsor a child in need through World Vision. It goes hand in hand with their love for the community, and it was so special to see so many people offering to sponsor a child that day. The Harlem Globetrotters also took time after the game to talk with fans and sign autographs, and fans had the chance to buy one-of-a-kind Harlem Globetrotter basketballs.

It’s Your Chance to See The Harlem Globetrotters!

We had such a great time for our first official trip to Raleigh together, and being able to see The Harlem Globetrotters at The PNC Arena will definitely be a memorable time for us. I mean, where else can you dance to “YMCA” with 1,000+ of your closest friends? Thank you, Harlem Globetrotters, for entertaining this kids-at-heart, and thank you, PNC Arena, for allowing us to attend such a fun, classic event!

If you’re a North Carolina Blogger and would like to get great opportunities like this and more, be sure to register and join us!  Don’t forget, visit The Harlem Globetrotter’s website for upcoming events and your chance to see this incredible team perform. – Ragan Chambliss