By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Featuring the most talented players in Europe, performances from famous entertainers and an electric atmosphere, this annual showcase is meant to thrill. The All-Star Game in Moscow will be the third edition of the event.
This is what it was like in Sochi in 2017:
And St. Petersburg in 2018:
As shown by a fan survey, the 2018 All-Star Game was twice as interesting as the 2017 All-Star Game. The VTB United League wants to make this year’s game even better!
When and where will the 2019 All-Star Game be held?
On Sunday, February 17, at Moscow’s VTB Arena Park.
VTB Arena Park is a modern multi-functional sports complex which opened in November 2018 and combines soccer and hockey arenas under one roof. Sunday’s All-Star Game will be the first basketball game ever played at the arena!
How do I get to the arena?
It’s easy to reach VTB Arena Park by metro and by car.
Arena address: Leningradsky prospekt, 36, Moscow
Nearest Metro stations: Dynamo (green line), Petrovsky Park (yellow and turqouise lines)
Here is the arena on a map:
Looking at the arena from above:
Who’s playing?
Only the most exciting players in the League: Russian Stars vs. World Stars. Lokomotiv-Kuban leader Dmitry Kulagin spearheads a Russian roster that includes veterans Sergey Monia and Evgeny Voronov as well as up-and-coming center Artem Klimenko. The World Stars are headlined by Spanish wizard Sergio Rodriguez and NBA champ Dorell Wright.
Here are the full rosters:
Russian Stars: Vitaly Fridzon, Dmitry Kulagin, Dmitry Khvostov (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Ivan Strebkov (Nizhny Novgorod), Evgeny Voronov (Zenit), Sergey Monia (Khimki), Joel Bolomboy, Andrey Vorontsevich, Nikita Kurbanov (CSKA), Artem Klimenko (UNICS), Nikita Mikhailovsky, Artem Zabelin (Avtodor).
World Stars: Sergio Rodriguez, Kyle Hines (CSKA), Jamar Smith, Maurice Ndour (UNICS), Kendrick Perry (Nizhny Novgorod), Anthony Clemmons (Astana), Perrin Buford (Avtodor), Janari Joesaar (Kalev), Jordan Mickey (Khimki), Dorell Wright (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Rashard Kelly (PARMA), D’Angelo Harrison (Enisey).
The starting lineups were picked by the head coaches: Oleg Okulov and Dimitris Priftis.
Russian Stars: Dmitry Kulagin, Evgeny Voronov, Sergey Monia, Nikita Kurbanov, Artem Klimenko
World Stars: Sergio Rodriguez, Jamar Smith, Dorell Wright, Jordan Mickey, Jalen Reynolds (will not participate in game)
What can I expect besides the game?
The Three-Point Contest will be held between the 1st and 2nd quarters and halftime will feature the Slam Dunk Contest. Four players were selected for each contest this season.
Three-Point Contest participants: Vitaly Fridzon (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Dorell Wright (Lokomotiv-Kuban), Kristjan Kangur (Kalev), Artis Ate (VEF)
Slam Dunk Contest participants: Janari Joesaar (Kalev), Jalen Reynolds (Zenit, will not participate), Vitali Liutych (Tsmoki-Minsk), Viacheslav Zaitcev (Khimki)
What about any fan contests?
We have those, too!
LUKOIL and Rusvetpetro have put together fan contests with valuable prizes and the VTB United League is also promoting its own contest on social media, “Shoot for a million.”
What uniforms will the teams wear?
The primary uniform colors, unlike previous All-Star Games, are now black and white, instead of red and blue. The uniforms have a stylish, modern look.
The Russian Stars will play in black uniforms with red accents and the World Stars will wear white uniforms with blue accents.
Where can I buy All-Star Game merchandise?
Jerseys, jackets and other merchandise will be available at the All-Star Game.
You can also order merchandise online: http://maxxisport.ru/fanshop/. The online store features t-shirts, jackets, hats, hoodies, scarves and customizable jerseys.
Who might I see at the All-Star Game?
Russian UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, musical artist L’One, KVN host Alexander Maslyakov, Jr., actor Stanislav Yarushin and acclaimed artist Lev Leshchenko. Those are only a few of our VIP guests!
The All-Star Game will be hosted by Ivan Urgant.
Prior to the All-Star Game, the VTB United League appeared on Ivan Urgant’s talk show Vecherny Urgant with general director Ilona Korstin and CSKA players Andrey Vorontsevich and Joel Bolomboy in attendance.
Kasta will headline the pre-game entertainment!
Where can I watch the game?
If you can’t be in Moscow for the game, make sure to watch the live broadcast on Match TV.
The broadcast will start at 4:50 pm Moscow Time on February 17.
How to access the arena by foot and by car
Promo video
36 seconds that will convince you that the VTB United League All-Star Game can’t be missed!
Source: VTB