Governor John E. Baldacci today announced that the 2008 World Champion Boston Celtics will bring their championship hardware to Maine. The Celtics plan to make stops in Portland and Orono with the Larry O’ Brien Championship Trophy on Wednesday, September 24. In addition, Governor Baldacci will declare September 24 as Boston Celtics Day in the State of Maine.
“I want to thank the Boston Celtics for their willingness to bring their 2008 championship trophy to Maine for sports fans to see up close and in person,”
Governor Baldacci said. “Maine supports the Celtic Green and we watched with great anticipation and enthusiasm this season as they won their 17th NBA title. The State of Maine welcomes the Celtics, and we look forward to a visit from this first-class organization.”
A Celtics legend and current player are expected to accompany the trophy to both Portland and Orono, as are members of the Celtics Dancers and the team’s mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun. Members of the Celtics front office are expected to join the entourage in Portland.
The NBA Championship Trophy will first be on display to the general public at The Expo in Portland. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. with events scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Following a short rally, fans will be invited to see the trophy between 12 – 2 p.m.
From 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., the trophy will be on display at the Alfond Arena on the University of Maine campus in Orono.
Mainers are encouraged to bring a camera to both events for photos with the trophy and Celtics personnel. Both events are free and open to the public.
The trophy and the Celtics entourage will also pay a visit to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland earlier in the day.
Further details regarding the visit will be made available when confirmed.
