Sixers Newsroom

2008 Sixers Beach Bash presented by Kia Motors recap

2008 Sixers Beach Bash Photogallery

Morning thunderstorms were not enough to keep 76ers fans from coming out and supporting the team on August 2, as the Sixers Beach Bash presented by Kia Motors returned to Jack’s Place in Avalon, N.J.

The event was highlighted by the debut of the 2008-09 Sixers Dancers who thrilled the crowd with three exhilarating performances. Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski and Sixers forward Thaddeus Young were also on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with the crowd, while Sixers greats Darryl Dawkins and World B. Free took turns as celebrity bartenders before heading outside to meet with fans.

Among the many others who made the trip down the shore to lend a hand with the day’s activities were Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren, Flyers center Jeff Carter, Villanova Men’s Basketball Coach Jay Wright, Temple Men’s Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy, WIP personalities Hugh Douglas, Joe Conklin and Big Daddy Graham, as well as NBC 10’s Jamison Uhler and ABC 6’s Matt O’Donnell, as well as Sixers Radio Voice Tom McGinnis and P.A. Announcer Matt Cord.

But one of the biggest parts of the day’s events was the introduction and first public performance of the 2008-09 Sixers Dancers. The team, now under the direction of new coach Christian Naven, performed several times throughout the day, both inside and outside so fans of all ages could see their debut.

The day was an overall success, due in large part to the assistance and support of many of the team’s sponsors, including presenting sponsor Kia Motors, as well as the city of Avalon.

“The city of Avalon has been a phenomenal partner with us for years,” Senior Vice President of Business Operations Lara Price said. “The area neighborhoods all participated and we got a lot of support from the Mayor Bob Kennedy, the residents and local businesses. This was the perfect place for us to host an event like this.”

While celebrity bartenders served up good times inside, kids and families enjoyed a festival atmosphere filled with games, face painters, clowns, and other various activities outside. One of the more popular games outside was the “Ring Toss” which had many winners including a record nine rings made by one of the young Sixers fans in attendance. The Sixers inflatables, which included “The Dunk Pit,” “Pop-A-Shot,” and “The Moon Bounce,” were also a hit. After enjoying the fun and games, fans had a chance to pick up some their favorite Sixers gear at the community relations tent. Fans were also able to check out the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego.

This year also featured a special summer-themed mosaic designed by Jonathan Mandell Designs Inc. This unique feature encouraged fans to add pieces of tile to the mosaic to complete the artistic image. Kia Motors and Jonathan Mandell in accordance with the Sixers will donate the finished product this coming season to the Ronald McDonald House.

“The mosaic station led by local artist Jonathan Mandell added a new element to the Beach Bash and it turned out to be a fun and interactive area for the kids,” Director of Community Relations Amber Stuart said. “Each child took their time to carefully glue the pieces down and a few of them even returned several times to work on the piece.”

A portion of the money raised during the Beach Bash will benefit Coaches vs. Cancer and Sixers Charities. Founded in 1996, Sixers Charities assists organizations that focus on youth, recreation, health and education. A final tally will be announced at a later date.