TEXARKANA, Ark. - The Harlem Globetrotters are known around the world for a pure love of basketball and on-court hoops magic.
With a storied history that stretches back to 1920s Chicago, the Globetrotters have shared their exciting style of basketball wizardry as an exhibition team, showcasing some of the most talented African-American players through the decades since - such as Meadowlark Lemon, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain, Goose Tatum and Fred "Curly" Neal - as they served as ambassadors for the game.
They've made regular stops in Texarkana and have a return visit scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Four States Fairgrounds, start time 7 p.m.
This visit is part of the Globetrotters' "Pushing the Limits" 2020 world tour, which includes a world record try as part of each game, according to a Globetrotter new release.
Some stops on the Globetrotter tour even get glow-in-the-dark basketball with "Magic Circle" ball handling warm-ups. Also before the game is the "Magic Pass," which allows fans a chance to get photos and autographs. Fans also get to meet the players during "The Fifth Quarter," an autograph session after the game. Another special aspect to the tour is the decade anniversary of the team's long-range shooting skills showcase: a 30-foot, four-point shot.
Says "Sweet Lou" Dunbar, a former player and Harlem Globetrotters Legend who serves as the team's head coach and whose hometown is Minden, La.: "The Globetrotters have always been entertainers and innovators, and this season will be no exception. Our fans have come to expect more than just a great show, and this season promises to deliver more entertainment and excitement than ever before. We can't wait to get the season started and create memories that last a lifetime!"
The current team lineup includes Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton and many other top talents, including female plays like TNT Lister, Torch George and more.
For more about the Globetrotters, check out HarlemGlobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.
(Tickets: $80, $48, $38, $28, $23. Buy tickets at FourStatesFair.com.)