USA Special Event Description:
FAN-FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE, THE ABA
· HISTORY: The ABA and its signature Red, White and Blue ball has been touching families and communities since its predecessor began play in 1967. The Indiana Pacers were charter members of the original ABA and Richard P. Tinkham, Esq. was co-founder of the Pacers and served as President of the ABA Board of Trustees for two years. The original ABA operated for nine (9) seasons from 1967-1975 before merging with the NBA. The NBA kept the Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, and San Antonio Spurs from the merger, and the other teams close operations. Mr. Tinkham was the lead merger consultant on behalf of the original ABA. After a twenty-five year hiatus, Dick Tinkham and Joe Newman orchestrated the ABAs return with the same innovation that created the slam dunk and three point shot; to bring fans, fast-paced, affordable, professional basketball. See www.abalive.com.
Event Performers:
Minnesotas latest professional sports franchise, the Minnesota Ripknees of the American Basketball Association.
This past season we treated the Twin Cities metropolitan area to the excitement of amazing dunks, tenacious defense, precision teamwork and big time family fun while winning the Division title with a record of 24-8.
The Ripknees roster featured several local and college standouts, such as Mitch Ohnstad, Johnnie Gilbert, Jamel Staten, Mo Hargrow, just to name a few.
As General Manager/Head Coach of the Minnesota Ripknees, I was extremely proud of the great talent, spirit and character of the players of Minnesota Ripknees.
Location of USA Special Event:
Roy Wilkins
Directions to Festival:
Directions
Saint Paul RiverCentre Direction PDF
Directions
Major highways (Interstate 94 and 35E) run through downtown Saint Paul, making it easily accessible from all parts of the state. The Xcel Energy Center is located on the corner of Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh Street. The following directions will take you to the vacinity of the Xcel Energy Center. For directions to parking lots, please refer to the Park & Ride and Park Smart sections.
Coming from the south
Take I-35 north to the Grand Avenue exit. Turn right and follow Grand Avenue to West Seventh Street. Take a left on West Seventh Street. Start looking for parking. The Xcel Energy Center is located on the corners of West Seventh Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
Coming from the north
Take I-35E south and exit on Wacouta, follow seven blocks to Kellogg Boulevard. Turn right and start looking for parking. The Xcel Energy Center is located on the corners of West Seventh Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
Times:
All games start at 7:05 p.m.
Admission & Parking:
$12.00 Door/ $ 10.00 advance -Adults $6.00 Door/$5.00 adavnce
Special Event Contact: 651-647-5633
Event Email Contact: Larry.McKenzie@ripknnes.com
