Trinity Will Be a Practice Site for WNBA All-Star 2007 Game
WNBA President Donna Orender announced today that the WNBA All-Star Game 2007 will take place at Verizon Center in Washington, DC, on Sunday, July 15. The Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports, a premier athletic facility on Trinity’s campus, has been selected as a practice site for the WNBA All-Star teams.The game, which will be nationally televised on ABC, marks the second time that the WNBA All-Star Game will be played in the nation’s capital. Washington and the Washington Mystics also hosted the 2002 All-Star festivities.
“The WNBA All-Star game is a great event for women’s basketball and women’s sports and we are proud to be a part of the excitement,” said Becky Vuksta, Executive Director of the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports. The Trinity Center, which opened in 2003, features a 1600-seat basketball arena; the full court can be turned into two side-by-side practice courts.
“The WNBA All-Star Game is a festive celebration that will feature world-class athletes, family-oriented activities and entertainment as well as community projects, all of which will showcase the WNBA’s connection to our fans and the community,” said Orender.
“Bringing the WNBA All-Star Game to Washington is a reward for our fans and testament to what a great market this is for women’s basketball,” said Sheila Johnson, President and Managing Partner of the Washington Mystics. “We look forward to hosting the greatest players in the world, and this is a fitting occasion for the Mystics as we celebrate 10 years in Washington!”
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said that Washington will be prepared “to welcome the players and fans to the All-Star game” and he assured the WNBA that city services will be fully available to support the important event.
Left to right: WNBA President Donna Orender made the formal announcement, followed by remarks by Lincoln Holdings Partner Ted Leonsis, Mystics President Sheila Johnson, Mystics player Nikki Teasley, who grew up in D.C., and the District’s new mayor, Adrian Fenty.
WNBA players will be extremely visible around town during All-Star Weekend, participating in community outreach initiatives that will leave lasting and positive impressions in the Washington, D.C. area. Several projects will take place, including the Nike/WNBA Court Refurbishment and the opening of a Reading and Learning Center through the WNBA Cares Legacy Event in conjunction with Toyota.
Additionally, the second annual “All-Star Salute: Celebrating Inspiration Luncheon” will honor women who inspire, motivate and help ignite the dreams and aspirations of women in all fields of endeavor. The event will be highlighted by the presentation of the WNBA Inspiration Award which will be given to an individual or group who on a daily basis demonstrates the ability to inspire others through their commitment, passion and dedication to work, family and community.
Tickets can be purchased through WNBA.com, via Ticketmaster.com, at select Macy*s Department Stores in the Washington, D.C. area, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-202-397-SEAT. Tickets are also available for purchase at Verizon Center’s Box Office.