THE ASINGANIAN: a big "party"

so we attended this big party, so big that it has to be held at the Air Canada Center ( ACC) here in downtown Toronto.

It was the last NBA game of the 2007-2008 Season. Competing teams were the Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors.

Honestly speaking, it was the first NBA Game I witnessed. Although the main attraction was the basketball tournament there were other events in between: dances by Raptor cheering teams, a musical chair for kids, a 50/50 draw with tickets sold before the draw, giveaways to certain seats which were selected at random during the game..The winning rows would be flashed on 4 monitors on the ceiling of the Center. The ACC is features the biggest events ( sports, rock concerts, figure skating events, etc ) that takes place in Toronto.

Then there was this "game" that took place just before the last quarter of the tournament. The prizes of this "game" were several airline tickets for 2 to Italy, 15,000 $ in cash, and several 40" LCD TVs courtesy of one major sponsor Sony Corporation.

Then there was this mascot: a raptor that looked like Barney the dinosaur. The guy showed some antics of his own ( e.g. doing some acrobatic stunts on top of a garbage can ). He would ogle with some ladies on the ringside or play around with the kids during their parlor game.

It was really fun, a really big time fun with no expenses spared. Someone with a lucky number walked away with 4,000$ prize from the 50/50 draw! No, I wished it was me!

The Raptors won. But their game only improved during the 3rd quarter. I asked Miguelita who came with me "How come if the Miami team scores, nobody cheers?..Isn't that rude?"

This is in contrast to the pandemonium that broke out each time a Raptor places a ball in the basket..

"That is how it is, " she said. "One have to root for the home team.."

By the way, we thank Dr. Forbes, Michelle, my daughter's father in law for the tickets. The seats were very good. 12 rows away from the ringside. These were quite expensive too...

Here are a few photos from the game...

the players made an entrance before the tournament..

the events ( plus some TV ads ) were flashed on the huge monitors above the stadium..

Half an hour before the game. We were on one of the gray seats...

One of the managers was telling something..

The cheering squad made up of young and pretty dancers were showing their stuff..Before the game at the lobby of the ACC, they posed with several patrons..

Go, Raptors Go!..If I am not mistaken, they are the 6th in the overall rating...

This is the game where they awarded LCDs, plane tickets, etc..Invited participants went in front of each lady. A round mat is at the feet of each one. The lady then would pick up the mat and show the prize won. It is written at the back of each round mat...Each one received a handsome rpize..How they selected the contestants?..That I do not know..