Art and basketball come together next month at a Delaware Blue Coats game in Wilmington.
The Philadelphia 76ers G League affiliate is teaming up with The Sold Firm for a pop-up art gallery and basketball-themed art competition featuring local visual artists duiring the team's March 21st game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 76ers Fieldhouse.
Blue Coats president Larry Meli says it's inspired by something the Sixers recently tried.
“You know honestly I’m giving credit to the 76ers with their crossover platform; they’ve just done a - kind of an art exhibit in Philadelphia. So to kind of steal a little bit from them," said Meli. "We wanted to find a way to intersect basketball and different aspects of our culture - whether it’s art, food music, theatre. And this time, we’re going to jump into the art side of it.”
Meli adds this type of event fits in with the Blue Coats' mission off the court to be a good neighbor in the community.
"I think it’s important to people to know that we can use the power of basketball to really drive positive change in this community," said Meli. "And we’re going to use our game as kind of that stage, for not only bringing people together but giving them an outlet and using the Fieldhouse as kind of that beacon for kids who might need some help...who might need an outlet.”
Meli says a portion of ticket sales from the Blue Coats' March 21st game will be donated to local youth sports programs.
Meli also notes that fans can purchase artwork, prints, apparel and more from a host of local vendors during the event.
You can read more about The Sold Firm here.
