Hoops in the Loop

Chicago Theatre to Host McDonald's All Americans

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jan 28, 2016) - Scores of big names and acts have performed at the Chicago Theatre throughout its 95-year history. But the iconic Loop venue has never hosted a basketball event. For one night only on March 28, the POWERADE^® Jam Fest will take center stage as a prelude to the McDonald's All American Games.

The annual high school basketball skills competition -- traditionally held in high school gyms and college arenas -- showcases future NBA and WNBA stars in a slam dunk and three-point contest. And new to the POWERADE^® Jam Fest: a "Legends & Stars Shootout," pairing current McDonald's All Americans with the Games' famous alumni.

For the first time ever, the Chicago Theatre's stage will transform into a half court with the basketball hoop placed upstage center. Front-row seats will flank the center-court circle, putting audience members close to the action.

See renderings of Chicago Theatre staging for the McDonald's All American Games POWERADE^® Jam Fest by accessing the Games' visual assets center.

Tickets to the 30th annual POWERADE^® Jam Fest at the Chicago Theatre go on sale Saturday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. CST. Reserved seating will range from $20 to $45 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or charge-by-phone at 1-866-909-GAME. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CST on Monday, March 28 with preliminary competitions beginning at 6 p.m. CST. Final competitions will be televised live on ESPN2, beginning at 7 p.m. CST. The POWERADE^® Jam Fest precedes the McDonald's All American Games, tipping off at Chicago's United Center on Wednesday, March 30.

"It will be a historic pairing of icons when the McDonald's All Americans take the court at the Chicago Theatre for the POWERADE^® Jam Fest," said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald's All American Games. "Hoops fans will see an exciting show of three-point accuracy and thunderous dunks right in the heart of the Loop." 

A surprise live concert may follow the POWERADE^® Jam Fest. Celebrity judges for the dunk contest will also be named at a later date. Players participating in each skills competition will be unveiled in the days leading up to the event.

"We are thrilled to host the POWERADE^® Jam Fest on March 28 in what will be the first-ever basketball event at the iconic Chicago Theatre," said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. "Playing basketball on the grand stage will be quite a spectacle and will proudly display the versatility of the legendary Theatre."