MEDIA RELEASE
February 24, 2016
HANG TIME: 50 YEARS OF TORONTO BASKETBALL
To be presented at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
TORONTO – “Hang Time: 50 Years of Toronto Basketball” will reintroduce the legends
and stories behind the rise of the city’s most popular sport, bringing together
generations of Toronto’s basketball community to celebrate and appreciate those who
paved the way for today’s successes.
Guest presenters including legendary coach Mike Katz, Raptor broadcaster Paul
Jones, former Olympian Norman Clarke and media veteran Dana McKiel will lead the
audience through the rich history of Toronto basketball and the phenomena of a
metropolis growing from grassroots to pro hoops.
“It’s amazing when I started playing basketball in this city they hardly ever lowered the
baskets down from the ceiling and my school didn’t even have any basketballs, they
gave me a volleyball,” said former Team Canada head coach Mike Katz at the Hang
Time press conference Wednesday. “It’s really grown in Toronto and across the
country where every kid now gets a basketball in their hands.”
While recognizing the history we’re also planning on having a little fun. Host Derek
Forgie of MTV/ Comedy Channel fame will be supplying the laughs. A full-sized court
from Ontario Basketball will be placed on the theatre stage for a select team of High
School Dunk Stars to rock the rims. Even intermission is going to be a star-studded
event with the personalities mingling in the gala-style foyer.
“This is going to be a celebration and so much fun for everybody involved,” said
Executive Producer Dana McKiel. “We’re planning a really fun show and an interactive
experience for the audience, many of whom will be former basketball stars in Toronto
themselves.”
Appearances by former and current NBA basketball players and Toronto Raptors
personalities will build the excitement, but Hang Time will also slow the pace to honour
living legend Harry Brown and some of those we’ve lost whose influence was essential.
“I think it’s really important to learn about the history of basketball in Toronto so that
we young players can appreciate all the support we get today,” said Ryerson Rams
forward Savanna Hamilton.
Game Day is set for Thursday, May 26, 7 pm. at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts,
Bluma Appel Theatre. Tickets are on sale at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts box
office. Please visit www.stlc.com/events for details and follow @HangTime50 on
Twitter for updates.
-30For more information please contact:
Dana McKiel
Executive Producer
Phone: 647-987-8539
Email: [email protected]
Devin Gray
Director of Marketing/ Communications
Phone: 647-449-3217
Email: [email protected]
About St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Bluma Appel Theatre:
Bluma Appel Theatre opened in 1970 and seats 868 guests. It contains a classic proscenium stage and
can accommodate the most demanding staging features as well as broadcast, recording, video
conferencing and webcasting requirements. The theatre contains fully licensed bars on each level of
orchestra and balcony and an exclusive private lounge. For more information, please visit www.stlc.com
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