Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Brussels

They are the world’s most famous basketball team – and they’re heading for Brussels. The Harlem Globetrotters are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years.

As part of a world tour they will land in Brussels on Easter Monday for a one-off performance which is sure to delight their many fans in Belgium.

The show, from 6-9pm on 22 April at the city’s Forest National arena, makes for a great Easter treat for young and old alike. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 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 basketball team combine athleticism, theatre and comedy in their unique style of play. Over the years, they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games, usually entering the arena to the tune of the team’s signature song: Brother Bones’ whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” They’ve been coming to Belgium for many years and, each time, choose a different city to demonstrate their spectacular basketball tricks to the Belgian public.

 

HGI vs. Washington Generals, Nashville GM 1, 1-27-18

 

Since 1926, the Globetrotters have stunned their audience with family entertainment of the highest quality. Young and old alike can enjoy an interactive show time and again, in which technical basketball elements are mixed with a high show content and a dose of humour. No wonder the shows always attract crowds!

Nothing is too crazy or impossible for the Globetrotters. They already have several Guinness World Records to their name. For example, Globetrotter William “Bull” Bullard managed to throw a basketball into the ring from an airplane. Further info for the show, hosted by the leading Gent-based promoter Greenhouse Talent, is via

Here’s 5 things you may not know about them:

1. Over the years, a few famous athletes have played for the Globetrotters. Wilt Chamberlain played for one year, between college and joining the NBA. Future Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson played in the 1950s, before his baseball career. And NBA great Magic Johnson played in a single game.

2. Eight famous people have been named honorary Globetrotters: Bob Hope, Nelson Mandela, Henry Kissinger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jesse Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Pope John Paul II, and the only actual basketball player on the list, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

3. The team didn’t actually play a game in Harlem until 1968.

4. The original lineup for the team’s first game in January 1927: “Toots” Wright, “Fat” Long, “Kid” Oliver, “Runt” Pullins, and Andy Washington.

5. Shortest Globetrotter ever: 5’2” Jonte “Too Tall” Hall. Tallest Globetrotter ever: 7’8” Paul “Tiny” Sturgess.

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