The reigning champion Boston Celtics are playing in Manchester on Saturday, not to mention Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and the powerful Houston Rockets. Sounds like a sellout.
Despite a weak economy and sliding stock market, the Celtics are expected to draw another 10,000 fans at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Seats are available for another preseason appearance by Boston, which typically draws a huge walk-up crowd.
"I think the Celtics are the Celtics and people always want to see them,"
said Jason Perry, the arena's director of sales and marketing. "Sales are still pretty strong, and, knock on wood, we do believe that trend will continue. It should be close to a sellout."
Boston hasn't officially taken the floor since defeating the Lakers in the NBA Finals. The preseason begins tonight as perennial All-Stars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers at the University of Massachusetts.
Two years ago, a crowd of 10,216 watched Cleveland beat Boston, 91-82, at the Verizon Wireless Arena, a night the Cavaliers rested LeBron James on the bench. The Celtics have drawn an average of about 9,400 fans per game in six Queen City appearances.
Saturday's ticket prices are $45 and $65 for the lower section and $25 and $45 for the upper section. Floor seats are $95.
No doubt sports fans will give the local economy a jolt this weekend, beginning with Game 1 of American League Championship Series on Friday night.
Varick's Restaurant and Sports Bar, located across from the arena on Depot Street, expects a near-capacity crowd of about 150 patrons for Red Sox games. In addition to the Celtics being in town Saturday night, the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays play Game 2 of the ALCS.
"I know a lot of people are going to the Celtics game, but, either way, we were going to pack the place because the Red Sox are playing,"
said Keith Roussell, an owner of Varick's.
Asked if the sour economy has affected business on big game nights, Roussell said, "No, we have cheap beer. You can get a pitcher for $5."
Houston's McGrady, who underwent knee surgery in May, sat out Houston's preseason opener against Memphis and won't play against the Celtics. Both T-Mac and Shane Battier (foot injury) are expected to miss at least a few more weeks.
Reserve players are expected to see plenty of action at the Big V, including 2008 draft picks J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, attempting to help replace forward James Posey in the C's lineup. Boston is also taking a look at free-agent Darius Miles, who sat the past two seasons with knee-related concerns.
Houston's star-studded roster also includes veterans Rafer Alston, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Francis and others to watch in preseason:
Former Indiana Pacers brawler Ron Artest, one of the NBA's best defenders, begins his first season with the Rockets. Brent Barry, signed as a free agent with Houston, is looking to make an early impression.
Luis Scola, a 6-foot-9 forward, shined in the Olympic Games and led Argentina to the bronze medal. Second-round pick D.J. Strawberry, son of former big-leaguer Darryl Strawberry, is attempting to make the team as a 6-foot-5 swing man.
