NBA China Games 2012 has received unprecedented support from its marketing partners as the NBA champion Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers met on Thursday at the MasterCard Center in Beijing and will do battle again on Oct 14 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

Adidas, China Mobile, Dongfeng Fengshen, Emirates, Gatorade, Harbin Beer, Mengniu, SAP, Sprite, Subway, and Visa conducted a variety of events, consumer sweepstakes and media and retail promotions that have allowed thousands of lucky fans the opportunity to attend the games and millions of fans the chance to experience the NBA.

"We would like to thank our great marketing partners for developing innovative programs that will help grow the game of basketball and give fans a chance to experience the excitement of the NBA," said David Shoemaker, CEO of NBA China. "The reach and depth of partner activation is unprecedented, and through various promotions thousands of fans will have a chance to attend the games in Beijing and Shanghai."

NBA China will also host its first Fan Appreciation Day this year with the support of China Mobile, Gatorade and Sprite. The event will take place on Oct 13 at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai to give more fans the chance to experience the NBA China Games. Fans will enjoy a variety of basketball and entertainment shows, including the chance to watch the Heat and Clippers practice. NBA legends, dance teams, mascots and dunkers will also participate in the event to provide NBA-style performances and entertainment. Fans will get to witness the final 20 shots in the "Shoot a Million Hoops" finale presented by Gatorade, a joint program with the Shanghai Sports Bureau to promote healthy lifestyles.

- China Daily

(China Daily 10/12/2012 page24)