Harlem Globetrotters coming to Jersey! Will hold a sports residency at American Dream

Posted by author June 19, 2024 Sports

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will make American Dream their home for 10 days this summer in what is being called the first sports residency, officials announced Monday.

The Harlem Globetrotters Experience will take place at the entertainment complex from Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 25. Featured events will include 16 games against the team’s storied rivals, the Washington Generals, along with various fan engagement activities, merchandise giveaways and other programs celebrating the historic franchise.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have a long and storied history of ‘firsts’ in its almost 100 years of existence and we continue that tradition by partnering with American Dream,” said Keith Dawkins, president of the team and its parent company, Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This residency, and its many commercial extensions, represents another way to reimagine the experience we bring to our millions of fans. We are excited about its potential to be replicated around the world.”

American Dream and the Globetrotters will announce more special events tied to the residency in the coming weeks. For now, the list of offerings for kids and families includes:

Globetrotter kids skill clinic: Basketball fans of all ages can train like a Globetrotter, running drills, learning tricks and taking part in the team’s famous warmup routine, the Magic Circle.
Pre-game magic pass: Families can join the Globetrotters and the Generals on the court before the game to shoot hoops and get player autographs and photos.
Globetrotter “5th quarter” meet-and-greet: All fans are invited down to the court for 30 minutes after the game to get autographs from their favorite Globetrotter players.
Exclusive merchandise: Attendees can get a variety of Globetrotters-branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, basketballs, programs and other accessories.

The Globetrotters partnership is the latest sporting venture for American Dream as it seeks to become a destination for other major athletic events. This year, the complex has already hosted the USA Curling National Championships and “The Throne,” a national high school basketball tournament hosted by the National Basketball Players Association, and will soon announce other competitions in the pipeline.

“The Harlem Globetrotters, just like American Dream, embody community, entertainment, and fun, making us the perfect partners for this groundbreaking residency,” said Bryan Gaus, American Dream senior vice president and general manager. “Our property continues to set the standard as a unique sports and events destination while also complementing MetLife Stadium’s extensive list of events next door. Now, one of the most iconic sports franchises will call American Dream home.”

Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters residency are now on sale and can be purchased at www.americandream.com/harlem-globetrotters.