Harlem Globetrotters Tip-Off 2017 World Tour With Nationally Televised Special On ESPN2

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Dec 28, 2016, 06:23 ET

ATLANTA, Dec. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking an exciting new 2017 World Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters announced today that they will bring their unparalleled entertainment to television screens with a new one-hour nationally televised special entitled, The Harlem Globetrotters Southern California Special, premiering on ESPN2, on Monday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. ET.

"ESPN has always been a great supporter and partner of the Globetrotters through the years," said Harlem Globetrotter President Howard Smith. "We are excited to work with the network once again to create dynamic television specials for basketball and sports entertainment fans. Leveraging the tremendous storytelling resources of ESPN is a terrific way to share our unique content."

The televised special will be broadcast across linear and digital platforms in the coming months, including ESPN Deportes on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. ET, and will feature Globetrotter stars, Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, and Hi-Lite Bruton on the court, as well as a look at the impact the team makes off the court. To see a sneak preview of the special, click here.

Filmed at the renowned basketball courts in Venice Beach, Calif., which represented a first for the Harlem Globetrotters, The Harlem Globetrotters Southern California Special is hosted by Chris McGee, who handles the pre- and post-game television shows for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers. Immediately following the special, a post-game show will be available exclusively on the Harlem Globetrotter YouTube channel.

The one-hour special will help mark the start of the Globetrotters 91^st season, which tipped off on Dec. 26. The team will play over 320 games in more than 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters. Sponsored by Entenmann's Donuts ®, Ticket Galaxy and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters