MISENHEIMER — The entertainment-based Harlem Wizards basketball team will be making an appearance in Stanly County in a few weeks as they travel to Pfeiffer University’s Merner Gym.
In a “Wizards vs. Teachers” charity game set for Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., the Wizards will challenge the Stanly Dragons, a team composed of various instructors and principals from the Stanly County Schools district.
“The Stanly Dragons will be coached by Stanly County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis,” the Albemarle Rotary Club — a lead sponsor for the event — announced in an online post. “Teachers and principals will make up the rest of the team. The Harlem Wizards are a professional team that specializes in hoop tricks and amazing basketball skills. Get your tickets now! Funds raised will be used by the Albemarle Rotary Club for scholarships, grants to schools and community projects and Rotary projects.”
Advanced tickets are currently online only and available now on the Harlem Wizards’ official website. Student tickets are $10 and general admission tickets are $12. On the night of the event, tickets can also be bought at the door for $12 (students) or $14 (general admission).
For $40, attendees also have the option to purchase a specialized courtside ticket that includes reserved seating, a pregame meet and greet with players, a souvenir lanyard and color team photo for autographs, and a discount on Wizards replica jersey.
The event also offers a $115 courtside player ticket that includes the package of the regular courtside ticket, as well as a jersey and the opportunity to play in a three-minute game with the Wizards during halftime.
Since 1962, the Harlem Wizards have toured the globe as a show basketball team delivering fundraiser events for schools and nonprofits in the communities where their charity games are held.
To date, the team has played over 15,000 games and has raised more than $25 million for schools and charity organizations.
“Basketball aficionados are treated to great skills, teamwork, slick dribbling, alley-oops and crazy slams,” the Wizards’ organization said in a promotional release. “The non-hoop fans attending will find out that this is much more than just a basketball game. The night is funny, theatrical, exciting and spectacular and the gym will reverberate with oohs and aahs, laughter, enthusiasm, and much much more.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. inside Merner Gym.