Sparks gear up for "Awesome August"
Published on August 3, 2009 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks return home after a month on the road and prepare to tip-off an action-packed month of August that includes 10 home games, nearly 20 community appearances and a variety of fun and entertaining theme nights. "Awesome August" also marks the return of veteran center Lisa Leslie, who will take the court for the first time since June 19th, on August 4th at noon when the Sparks take on the San Antonio Silver Stars.
"Awesome August" gives fans an opportunity to see the Sparks both on the court and in the community through numerous partnerships and activities. Highlighting the Sparks community events is an appearance at the Long Beach Trader Joe's store and a beach clean-up day at Santa Monica Beach. When the Sparks visit Trader Joe's, they will be on hand as Honorary Crew Members bagging groceries, manning tasting stations and signing autographs for fans. The Sparks will clean up the beach with partners Heal the Bay, Waste Management, Metrolink, the Jonathan Club and The Tree People.
Sparks theme nights at STAPLES Center add even more excitement to the fan experience. From honoring Inspiring Women in our community, to helping our fans "Go Green" at a green expo and get fit at a health and wellness fair, every game in August features entertaining extras for fans.
A complete listing of Sparks community events and theme nights for "Awesome August" is listed below.
LOS ANGELES SPARKS COMMUNITY EVENTS & THEME NIGHTS
Saturday, August 1: Relay for Life Sparks mascot Sparky took time to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life to help celebrate cancer survivors fight back against cancer by educating communities about cancer prevention and early detection.
Sunday, August 2: CAAM Target Sunday (2-3:30pm) Marie Ferdinand-Harris and the Ole Skool Crew danced, signed autographs, and raffled off Sparks tickets at the California African-American Museum's Target Sunday at Exposition Park. CLICK HERE for more info.
Monday, August 3: Sparks Take Over Trader Joe's in Long Beach! The entire Sparks team adorned Sparks-themed Trader Joe's shirts as they dispersed throughout the store bagging groceries, working tasting areas, and greeting customers on Monday, August 3rd from 3pm-5pm.
Tuesday, August 4: Silver Stars vs. Sparks (12pm) Sit Courtside for Camp Day. STAPLES Center will be packed to the brim with screaming kids at the Sparks' 10th annual Camp Day game.
Tuesday, August 4: Act Like a Kid Postgame at ESPN Zone at LA Live. Fans that show their 8/4 game ticket will be admitted to a postgame party at ESPN Zone and play games with Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton and Shannon Bobbitt!
Tuesday, August 4: LA Women's Tennis Championships (7pm) Lisa, Kristi and Vanessa will be at the LA Women's Tennis Championships. The Sparks will join stars of the WPS Sol and WTA tour for "Women in Sports Night" at 7pm at the Home Depot Center.
Tuesday, August 4: STOMP out Crime The Sparks fabulous and over 40 dance team the Ole Skool Crew will be on hand to help the City of Baldwin Police Department STOMP out Crime.
Wednesday, August 5: Sparks Throw Out the First Pitch (7:10pm) Sparks Olympians will be at Dodgers Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during Dodgers' Olympic Anniversary week.
Thursday, August 6: Storm vs. Sparks (7:30pm) - "Pay It Forward Night" presented by Trader Joe's Fans are encouraged to donate food items (canned food and other non-perishable food) to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Fans that donate food items will receive two FREE Sparks tickets to the August 10th game against the Indiana Fever and the fan who brings the most canned food or non-perishable food will receive an autographed Sparks-themed Trader Joe's shirt!
Saturday, August 8: Season Ticket Holders MVP Picnic The entire Sparks team will be at West Hollywood Park with fans that renewed their season tickets by September 30, 2008. Join the coaching staff, the players (and their dogs) for this fantastic annual event!
Monday, August 10: Fever vs. Sparks (7:30pm) - Retro Night The Sparks go back in time for our Sparks Retro Garage Sale during the game. We're cleaning out our storage to give fans a chance to pick up memorabilia from the past thirteen years at garage sale prices!
Tuesday, August 11: Liberty vs. Sparks (ESPN2; 7:30pm) - Farmers Insurance Night In our only home game against the New York Liberty Season Ticket Holders will receive an exclusive MVP Lisa Leslie Growth Chart poster courtesy of Farmers Insurance at the MVP Entrance located off the 11th Street Entrance. The Sparks will also celebrate the work done by our partner Right to Play, an organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children around the world. Members of the LA Sol will also be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs. As a special promotion to celebrate women in sport, any girl wearing a jersey/uniform will receive free admission to the game with a paid adult admission.
Wednesday, August 12: Sparks Family Clinic with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development In an effort to build a stronger Los Angeles community, the Sparks are partnering with the LA Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development to put on a youth clinic. Sparks coaches, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Betty Lennox will be on hand to teach skills and drills.
Friday, August 14: Monarchs vs. Sparks (7:30pm) - Gospel Night & African-American Heritage Night As the Sparks take on the Sacramento Monarchs, gospel music will fill STAPLES Center when the team plays host to an array of choirs and musical acts that will perform throughout the game on "Gospel Night." The Sparks will also celebrate African-American Heritage by recognizing the Jackie Robinson Foundation and California African-American Museum.
Friday, August 14: Lakers 3 on 3 Tournament (5-6:00pm) The Ole Skool Crew and SparKids will be performing at the Lakers' 3on3 Basketball Tournament.
Sunday, August 16: Boost Mobile In-Store Appearance Sparks veteran center Lisa Leslie and All-Star guard Betty Lennox will head out to a Boost Mobile store location in the Los Angeles area to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
Monday, August 17: The Africa Channel Movie Screening In partnership with The Africa Channel, Sparks Olympians Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie along with Noelle Quinn, Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton and Head Coach Michael Cooper will be in downtown Los Angeles at the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival for an exclusive screening of the movie "Soul of Ashante."
Tuesday, August 18: Mystics vs. Sparks - Latin Heritage Night The Washington Mystics come to town and the Sparks will continue the culture celebration with "Latin Heritage Night" sponsored by Boost Mobile. The night will feature Mariachi bands, Latin art displays and fiery dance performances throughout the night.
Wednesday, August 19: Lynx vs. Sparks - Inspiring Women & Health and Fitness Night Co-presented by Farmers Insurance and Anthem Blue Cross, Inspiring Women is a chance to honor and celebrate the women who uplift and inspire us.
Tuesday, August 25: Sky vs. Sparks - Breast Health Awareness & Asian-American Night Sponsored by PrivacyWear, Breast Health Awareness night is focused on raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. The first 5,000 fans to attend the game will receive a Kay Yow Foundation/Nike t-shirt presented by PrivacyWear. In conjunction with BHA night, we will also celebrate Asian-American culture with a special Asian-American night theme.
Thursday, August 27: Mercury vs. Sparks: Go Green Night & City of Pasadena Day The Sparks will "Go Green" as partner Waste Management gives out goodie bags filled with Green Tips to help make the earth a cleaner and more sustainable environment. There will also be a "Green Expo" on the concourse at STAPLES Center where various organizations will highlight their green efforts and strategies.
Saturday, August 29: Sparks Family Clinic with Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development The Sparks will hold a second clinic in conjunction with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Developoment. On hand to teach skills and drills at this clinic will be Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper, guard Shannon Bobbitt and center Vanessa Hayden.
Saturday, August 29: Heal the Bay Beach Clean-Up The Los Angeles Sparks along with partners Waste Management, Heal the Bay, Metrolink, the Jonathan Club and the Tree People will be at Santa Monica Beach to pick up trash as part of the Green Team Initiative.
Saturday, August 29: Basketball Court Unveiling Sparks veteran center Lisa Leslie will be at the Westwood Recreation Center for a basketball court unveiling as she is honored for her illustrious basketball career.
Sunday, August 30: Sun vs. Sparks (6:30pm) - Health & Fitness Night Co-presented by Farmers Insurance and Anthem Blue Cross, Health & Fitness Night is an opportunity for fans to receive tips on leading and enjoying a healthy life. The Night will feature a Health and Fitness Fair presented by Kellen Resources.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from August 3, 2009
- Sparks gear up for "Awesome August" - Los Angeles Sparks
- Douglas is East Player of the Week - Indiana Fever
- Becky Hammon Named Western Conference Player of the Week - San Antonio Stars
- Douglas and Hammon WNamed WNBA Eastern and Western Players of the Week - WNBA
- Local Favorite Tim Mahoney to Perform at August 7 Lynx vs. Connecticut Game - Minnesota Lynx
- Lights, Camera, Lynx: Lynx to Host Inaugural 'Catwalk for a Cure' Event in Support of Breast Cancer - Minnesota Lynx
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