The Harlem Globetrotters have set off on their “World of Fun Tour,” and will be making several stops in Texas. On Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., they will be in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
Ed Chatal, the coliseum manager, said, “The Globetrotters were a nice fit because we’re a basketball kind of facility; the setup was relatively easy. This time of year we’re already set up for basketball, so that makes it an easier event for us. It also opens up a lot of available dates to them.”
The globetrotters have played professionally since 1927. Inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, the Globetrotters have enjoyed unusual benefits of fame not offered to other basketball teams, like appearances on Scooby Doo and Futurama, and starring in their own TV shows.
This may be because the Globetrotters are probably known for their amusing antics on the court more than their wins against teams like the Washington Generals and New York Nationals.
Chatal remembers what he called a “classic” globetrotter prank – filling a bucket of water on the court, furtively switching it for one filled with paper shreds or glitter and tossing it on surprised audience members.
Chatal said the Globetrotters appeal to “students, faculty, and staff, but also the community… There’s a wide audience.” The 6,094-seat coliseum is expected to attract fans from Conroe, Trinity, Livingston, Madisonville, and Huntsville.
SHSU students don’t get the chance to see the Globetrotters very often. Chatal said the last time they were here was four years ago, and most students have never seen them live.
“I’ve only seen them on TV,” said James Hayden, a history major.
Casey Broker, a sophomore, said she’d love to see them, and plans to go.
“It should be fun and exciting,” said Erika Moshay, a CJ major.
Keidra Shepherd works in the Coliseum and is looking forward to the show. “It’s cool that they’re coming,” she said. She added that she thinks it’s great that they are a largely unbeatable team, and have created a new kind of entertainment based on their unusual skills.
Tickets for seats on the floor are $42, and other seat prices are $22, $18, and $13. They can be purchased by phone at (936) 294-3021 with Visa or MasterCard only, and at the ticket office from 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m. They can also be purchased online at ticketweb.com, which also accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.