The 2017 NBA All-Star weekend will take place in the heart of New Orleans. Beyond the game on the court, visitors will get a chance to experience the food, nightlife, and culture of The Big Easy. But before you arrive to enjoy the festivities of NBA All-Star weekend, there are several essentials that every traveler must have.
The Parties
From the French Quarter to Canal Street, the parties during NBA All-Star weekend will be monumental.
Saturday: Jeezy and Kenny Burns will keep things sleek at the all-black party, which will be held at Metro Night Club. And Gucci Mane will bring his East Atlanta flair to the Eiffel Society.
Sunday: The ‘Nawlins Finale after the game, sponsored Dutch Masters, will reunite the Hot Boys at Masquerade Nightclub. Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk, and Mannie Fresh will all be present for what is expected to be one of the most coveted events during the NBA All-Star weekend.
Top-notch cellphone apps
Having the perfect app on your phone can save you time and allow you to discover cool things during your trip. Be sure to research apps such as Citymapper that will help you find public transportation, ride-sharing services, and the fastest way to get to your destination. PackPoint is also an app that provides details on weather forecasts, event scheduling, and allows you to share the info with friends.
Escape
New Orleans offers several lakefront views where visitors can escape, have a drink, and enjoy a cigar. Take a moment to enjoy Dutch Masters Cigarillos Honeycomb and other flavors while enjoying the weather and planning your next adventure.
Sneakers
New Orleans is a city where walking is essential. So pack your best sneakers to help you navigate through the French Quarters and back to the downtown area were most of the NBA events will be held during the day. Sneakers you may want to consider include the Jordan Trunner which honors Black History Month. Or the Puma “Legacy Collection” which are inspired by David T. Howard High School, a former all-Black high school in Atlanta.
Guide to New Orleans culture:
To understand New Orleans, you must first understand its past. The rich history of New Orleans is superbly laid out in Richard Turner’s book, Jazz, Religion, the Second Line, and Black New Orleans. The book serves as a guide for the true New Orleans and its wonderful people.
The food
New Orleans arguably has the most iconic food culture in America. The signature dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and Cajun seafood will leave visitors wanting more. Here are restaurants to visit while in New Orleans.
Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe: Known for its Sunday brunch, Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe features specials such as the Jambalaya omelet, crabmeat and cheese omelet, and catfish and grits.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe: Signature dishes include crawfish balls, crab claws, pasta Bienville, and shrimp creole.
The game
With so many festivities occurring outside of the arena, it’s easy to forget the reason for the NBA All-Star season. On the court, the highlight for NBA All-Star weekend will be the Slam Dunk contest. This year’s participants include 2016’s winner Aaron Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Glenn Robinson III, and Derrick Jones Jr. Gordon and Jones are the early favorites.
The NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday as LeBron James will lead the East All-Stars against Steph Curry’s West All-Stars.
If you’re in New Orleans and looking for major events, be sure to visit our events page at www.rollingout.com
