Professional Basketball Returns To Baltimore Arena For 1st Time In 14 Years
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore is the home of the Super Bowl champs--the Ravens. And the Orioles are once again contenders. This all happens as Charm City prepares to host an NBA game for the first time in 14 years.
Gigi Barnett has more on the game that will bring Carmelo Anthony's team to his hometown.
Baltimore loves sports: From the Ravens to the Orioles, and even soccer. Now it's time for basketball at the Baltimore Arena.
The Washington Wizards announced this week that it will tip-off in Charm City against the New York Knicks to celebrate the team's 50th anniversary.
"It proves that, along with the events that we've had and the Capitals and all the concerts, Baltimore is a primary market," said Frank Remesch, arena general manager.
Arena General Manager Frank Remesch worked on the deal to get the game in town. He's expecting sales to soar with Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony on the court.
"I think he will be a phenomenal draw. Again, the Wizards themselves are going to be a phenomenal draw. So you put the two together and I don't think we can lose," Remesch said.
The Wizards used to be the Baltimore Bullets. The team moved to Washington in the early 1970s. The last time the team visited Charm City was during a game in the late '90s.
Remesch says the match will be a mixture of history and basketball for fans.
"If they're a fan of basketball and history itself, I think the novelty of having the Wizards play and professional basketball play back here in Baltimore. I think you're absolutely going to see them come," he said.
The question now is: When do those tickets go on sale? The answer: The Wizards have not yet decided.
The Wizards will play the Knicks on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
