The L.A. Clippers and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) today announced that the Clippers will return to Hawaii for training camp to begin preparations for the 2018-2019 season. The Clippers held their first-ever training camp in the Aloha State last preseason.
The Clippers will travel to Honolulu in late September and hold training camp at the University of Hawaii. Details and dates for training camp and other events will be announced at a later date.
“The whole Clippers organization, from our players to our staff and our fans, really enjoyed our time in Hawaii last preseason and we look forward to returning again next year,” Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker said. “With the help of our partners at the Hawaii Tourism Authority, we are excited to give back to the local community, showcase the beauty of the islands and experience the true aloha spirit.”
The team spent 10 days on the islands last preseason, holding numerous community and fan events, including opening a computer lab at R.L. Stevenson Middle School in Honolulu and holding a Fan Fest where hundreds of fans interacted with the team through games and autograph sessions while enjoying local food and activities.
“This marketing partnership is ideal for both of our futures,” Leslie Dance, HTA Vice President of Marketing and Product Development said. “The Clippers are one of the NBA’s hottest teams with a growing fan base in Hawaii and across the Pacific, and the Hawaiian Islands is a favorite destination for travelers from Southern California.”
HTA’s comprehensive official marketing partnership with the Clippers began in December of 2016 and continues through the 2018-19 season, combining broadcast and online exposure with in-game promotions.
The partnership’s Los Angeles activations are highlighted by tonight’s Hawaii Night, which features performances by two Hawaii ukulele virtuoso performers and giveaways of a fresh flower lei or an “Aloha” Clippers hat to the first 10,000 Clippers fans in attendance. There will also be in-game contests to give away a free trip to Hawaii and a surfboard. Residents in Southern California can also enter a contest online at DreamHawaiiSweeps.com to win one of four trips to the island of Oahu.
Daniel Ho, a six-time Grammy Award winner, will perform the National Anthem at Hawaii Night tonight, joined by Halau Hula Kealii o Nalani under the direction of Kumu Hula Kealii Ceballos.
Taimane Gardner, whose artistry on the ukulele ranges from rock and flamenco to classical, will be the featured halftime performer.
Also entertaining the crowd with hula during the game will be Kekaiulu Hula Studio and Haloa Band.
