At a joint press conference inside the Carnegie Hotel on December 21, the International Storytelling Center (ISC) and the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that they will be hosting an NBA exhibition game Oct. 16, 2010 inside the ETSU/Mountain States Health Alliance Athletic Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
The game will feature the New Orleans Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks, and the event is being made possible thanks to the generosity of New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn and his interest in supporting both ISC programming and ETSU athletics.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of New Orleans Hornets Basketball to the fans in east Tennessee,” said Hornets Owner George Shinn. “It’s customary for NBA teams to schedule preseason games outside of their home market, and we are so excited that our neighbors in this area will get to see Chris Paul and some of the most talented athletes in the world.”
Shinn and his wife, Denise, have ties to the region. They own a home in nearby Telford, Tenn. and are committed to supporting the area in which they live. “Denise and I have a passion for giving back to our communities,” said Shinn. “We have owned our Tennessee home since Hurricane Katrina, and we are committed to becoming a part of the fabric of this community since we spend time here. We are a blessed family, and it’s important for us to share our passion and love with our neighbors and friends.”
After moving to northeast Tennessee, Shinn became committed to helping support ISC after meeting the organization’s founder and president, Jimmy Neil Smith, and learning about the Center’s mission and beliefs.
“We are honored to have George and Denise making such a great impact on our community,” Smith said. “We are very pleased that they are generously supporting the families, organizations, and institutions of our region.”
Tickets for the NBA Preseason game between the New Orleans Hornets and Atlanta Hawks are now available by calling the ETSU Athletics Office at (423) 439-ETSU (3878). Ticket prices start at just $5.