It was a strange Monday night, we were going to watch the Harlem Globetrotters at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center but it was right on the cusp of when the whole nation was about to be shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, March 9th, 2020 was the day Louisiana had the first recorded death due to the virus. We were on our way to the venue (after having just boiled crawfish), James, Chase, McKenzie and I, but it felt just a little weird. Almost like I knew it was possibly the last time we would be attending anything in public for some time!
We were going to see The Harlem Globetrotters 2020 and I had no idea what I was in for. I am British as you know, and yes, I had heard of The Harlem Globetrotters but quite frankly I didn't know what exactly they did. I knew it was something to do with Basketball. My son Chase absolutely loves them being an avid basketball fan, so he was trying to tell me all about them in the truck on the way. We got parked easily, close to the venue.
We arrive
First, I am a big fan of Houma Civic Center events. I have been to many events here (wedding receptions, Car Shows, Boat Shows - even school Christmas plays and VA shows). I have yet to be disappointed. They are always very organized with clear instructions on where to go.
We basically headed straight in, flashed our tickets... then I remembered - better let the kiddos go 'potty' first! It's happened way too many times in the past where as soon as you sit down, "Mom....". I vividly remember, at that point I was concerned about virus and germs as it was all still early days where that was concerned. The bathrooms at the Civic Center are always in top top shape though. We didn't have to wait - In and out.
We find our seats after a little walk around. The place is humming with excited kids but surprisingly it's not as full as we had expected. We were told that seats were getting limited at the time I booked - then it occurred to me, people were starting to fear public gatherings. That's probably why there were the empty seats.
The game begins
I didn't realize that when you go to see the Harlem Globetrotters, you are actually going to see a game take place. They play against the Washington Generals. However, the game is all just entertainment - known as exhibition basketball. The skills of these players is really incredible. I watched my son's face quite a lot during the night and could tell he was blown away by their flair - trying to figure out how he could learn that at home!
Globie (or Big G) - the team mascot was my favorite part. This mascot is hilarious. The way it bounces around and falls just right had everyone doubled over laughing.
I missed recording Big G myself, but it's easy to find other videos of him goofing around!
It was great that the key player - Big Easy Lofton is from New Orleans...(hence Big Easy) - he was very much a crowd favorite! We also managed to get a few pictures with some of the other players.
I have to say, if you get a chance to go see the Harlem Globetrotters play, it is well worth it. Just getting out and doing something different is refreshing. If you are able, try the Harlem Globetrotters Magic Pass. This allows you to sit 'court side' and are very likely to get called up to be part of the show in some way or another. Of course, if you are not a fan of being center of attention - probably not a good idea, lol.
Crowd Pleasers
Torch George
The sound system in the Houma Civic Center was perfect! I could hear everything that I needed to without it being obnoxiously loud, to the point of losing clarity. I didn't miss a thing and with the music playing too, it definitely added to the fun.
In closing
It was a really great night (about 2 hours) - It's definitely worth checking out The Harlem Globetrotters roster first to familiarize yourself with the players - I thought about that after the fact - naturally! Although their tour is postponed right now due to the Corona Virus check them out in the future to see when you can go to see them.
Also, bear in mind that there is always great events happening right on our doorstep. Check out their schedule below:
Were you at this event? What were your favorite moments? Share in the comments section below:
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