Sixers News and Features

Countdown to Tip-Off 2008

With opening night of the 2008-09 regular season just days away, the team is celebrating with "Countdown to Tip-off". The organization will use this initiative to put its arms around the city and its surrounding areas, so don’t be surprised if you spot the team or its staff at a venue near you!

Complete Event Schedule

Tuesday, October 28: Reading Terminal

Hip-Hop, Hare Raisers and Sixers Dancers hit a packed Reading Terminal Market at lunch time today handing out 76ers hats to workers and fans grabbing lunch.

Excitement filled the market as Hip-Hop made his presence known by visiting workers at different booths. Fans stormed over to the team’s enthusiastic mascot in hopes of autographs and pictures.

Fans were given Sixers hats as they watched the Hare Raisers and Sixers Dancers pass by their lunch tables in awe. One booth worker even offered Hip Hop a large carrot for his spirit.

With the Sixers season ready to kick off tomorrow night against the Toronto Raptors at a special 6pm start, Sixers fans are as enthusiastic about the new season as ever.

Friday, October 24: Paint the Town

On Friday afternoon, the Philadelphia 76ers split up to hit the streets of Philadelphia and its surrounding areas reaching out to those who dedicate their lives to giving and saving the lives of others. Select fans at each location were rewarded with Sixers T-Shirts and tickets to the season opener against the Toronto Raptors on October 29.

Rivera Recreation Center

The Sixers Andre Miller, and Team President and General Manager, Ed Stefanksi took part a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the first Sixers reading and learning center at the Rivera Recreation Center.

The Sixers, as a part of Toyota project rebound and NBA Cares joined members of the community to explore the new space, read books and try out brand new computers.

“Anytime we can provide an environment where kids can come and learn and grow - it’s a win for everyone,” Toyota spokesman Daniel Gone said. “We’re involved with the NBA and the NBA Cares Program because of the effect it has on people, and for the good we can do in the community.”

The wide-eyed youngsters at Rivera Recreation Center were excited to have a new place to learn and read, but the highlight of the day was being able to meet their favorite Sixers players.

“When the people see the room, they will see how great it is and begin to treat each other with respect,” said youngster Sean Romanowski. “We will be able to make more friends because of all the added people in the center. It will also allow kids to chase their dreams and look forward to doing good.”

“It’s wonderful that Toyota and the NBA reach out with the Sixers to children,” Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski said. “As soon as the ribbon was cut, the children rushed to the books and one little girl even said, ‘Oh look Curious George.’ It’s just somewhere for the kids to come after school and for them to learn more with new technology.”

“It’s going to provide great educational opportunities in a clean environment for kids who would not necessarily have those opportunities,” Rivera Recreation Center Operator Brian Andrew said. “Now the kids have an outlet to come and grow on their learning.”

Rittenhouse Square

Sixers players Elton Brand, Donyell Marshall, and Reggie Evans teamed up with Philadelphia police officers in Rittenhouse Square to hand out autographs, t-shirts, hats and tickets to the home opener.

“The atmosphere here at Rittenhouse square is nuts - a lot of fans coming from work. It’s a lot of fun,” said Elton Brand.

The team worked together with police officers who were on sight and assisted in stopping traffic so that tickets could be distributed to fans passing by.

“The Philadelphia Police Department are the real heroes keeping the streets safe; it’s a privilege to come out here and help support them,” said Brand.

The support Brand and the other players showed to not only the city but also the Philadelphia Police department did not go unnoticed.

“I appreciate them coming out and I’m sure every one of my fellow officers appreciates what they are doing,” said Officer Patrick McGuire. “For people that are in their position, it’s always good when they show us some love.”

For Donyell Marshall, (a Reading Pennsylvania native), it’s even more special to be able to reach out and give back to the community. Marshall was signed in the off-season and gets to now play his home games for the team he grew up rooting for.

“I am definitely looking forward to doing things in the community, especially being from this area.”

Lankenau Hospital

“It feels like I’m a superstar,” hospital employee Calvin Graham said. “I feel more important than the players.”

Staff throughout the hospital came out to see their favorite Sixers players face-to-face. Lunch was served to hospital employees as a line of fans awaited the opportunity to meet the Sixers.

Andre Iguodala, Kareem Rush, Jason Smith and Theo Ratliff signed autographs, posed for pictures, and gave out tickets to Wednesday’s home opener against the Toronto Raptors.

“It’s always great to be out here with the fans, especially in a hospital setting,” said Raliff. “They do a lot of good for us, coming out here and showing our appreciation is the least we can do.”

Members of the Sixers Dancers were also on hand signing autographs and handing out t-shirts.

“To see the smiling faces, to brighten the patients day and to give back to the doctors who do so much for the community is a great way to promote Sixers pride,” Sixers Dancer Melanie Fitzpatrick said.

Battleship New Jersey

Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, and Royal Ivey joined military members and their families at the Battleship New Jersey in Camden for a meet and greet. The small and intimate setting provided plenty of time for each fan to converse with the players. They signed autographs and spent time listening to the fans share stories about their families’ histories aboard the ship.

“It’s great to have these events,” said Vice President of Marketing & Sales at the Battleship New Jersey Jack Willard. “We loved having the team here and getting our name out there.”

While the fans enjoyed meeting their favorite athletes, the players were equally enthused about their lesson in Battleship New Jersey history.

“I want to come back and take a tour when I really have time to take it all in,” Dalembert said at the conclusion of the event. “I can’t imagine living in here for the duration of a whole war. My maximum would be a year.”

Dalembert was inspired by the ship and spent time afterwards talking with the employees, learning as much as he could about steel used to make it and the weapons on board.

The success of the event was evident as the Sixers thrived in their opportunity to give back to the community and reach out to those who have dedicated their lives to saving the lives of others.

Thursday, October 23: Sixers T-Shirt Tour

Today, Hip-Hop, Hare Raisers, and Sixers Dancers loaded a “Sixerfied” double-decker bus to throw out over 4,000 t-shirts to eager fans in anticipation of the team’s home opener next Wednesday, October 29. The bus rout began at the Wachovia Center, went up Broad Street, looped around City Hall, and concluded at the newest Philadelphia skyscraper - the Comcast building.

“It was so exciting,” Sixers Dancer Deirdre Ramos said. “It was really fun to see everyone chasing after us. It was nice to help get Philadelphia excited for the season.”

Once the bus stopped at the Comcast building, Hip-Hop joined excited fans to personally hand out t-shirts and spread Sixers enthusiasm to Comcast employees. By the time the bus was about to pull away – there were a couple statues in the buildings lobby donning some Sixers t-shirts, courtesy of Hip-Hop.

“It’s just the Philly way to be filled with spirit and energy for their teams,” Hare Raiser Christian Crosby said. “Everyone will vibe off the Phillies success and carry it into basketball season.”

Wedneday, October 22: Sixers Supermarket Sweep

The Philadelphia 76ers organization reached out to the community yesterday as they partnered with ACME to sponsor a Supermarket Sweep. The event is part of the Sixers “Countdown to Tip-off” leading up to the home opener on October 29, in which the Sixers sponsor a slew of community events to get their fans ready for the hardwood action again.

Joan Dellior and Anna Randall won the chance to sprint through ACME on City Line Ave. and scoop up all the free groceries they could in 76 seconds. The two grand prize winners also received two tickets to opening night and a signed Moses Malone jersey. A third place prize of two tickets was also awarded.

“I am ecstatic!” said Dellior who totaled up an astonishing $359.76. “I wasn’t going to come and then I said, ‘Well, I’ll get a shirt and then I won. I am just so thrilled.”

“I wanted roast beef for my beef stew, but just ran out of time.” said Randall upon completion of her sweep, “This is wonderful - I am just so excited.”