Thunderbirds Move Season Finale
Published on April 3, 2007 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 3, 2007 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds game that was originally scheduled for April 6th at 7:00pm at Tingley has been moved to Wednesday, April 11th at 7:00pm, to remedy a booking problem related to the United States Team Roping Championships.
The Team Roping Championships had been booked by Expo New Mexico for the second weekend in April, but been advertised to the ropers as taking place on this coming weekend, its traditional spot on the event schedule. Many of the ropers had arrived in Albuquerque without knowing of the schedule change.
Accordingly, the Thunderbirds have adjusted their schedule as to accommodate the Expo New Mexico event this four-day event which has taken place in Albuquerque at Tingley Coliseum for the past 16 years.
"We are grateful to the Thunderbirds and their fans for their willingness to work with this unforeseen situation," said Fred Peralta, General Manager of Expo New Mexico.
"The USTRC expresses their appreciation on behalf of the 2,000 teams that come from throughout the country to participate in this annual event."
"While it's unfortunate we have to move Friday's game to next Wednesday, and trust that this situation will never occur again, we were willing to do so to help Tingley Coliseum out of a jam," Team President Billy Widner said.
"The State of New Mexico and the folks at Tingley have worked with us these two years two years and have undertaken several initiatives to make the arena more fan-friendly and intimate. Just last month Tingley hosted Elton John. We have been assured by our partners that they will help do everything they can to make our season-ending game a huge party for our season-ticket holders and fans."
Wednesday will be Fan Appreciation day with a special promotion provided by Isleta Casino and Resort. It will also be NBA Night presented by Adidas and the Thunderbirds will wear Phoenix Suns Uniforms. These special jerseys will be auctioned off after the game with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.
The first 1,000 fans to arrive at Tingley Coliseum on Wednesday the 11th will receive a team poster and players will be available immediately after the game for autographs.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 season tickets are already on sale and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com or at Thunderbirds Front Office. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams for the 2007-08 season have already been announced in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas and Des Moines, Iowa.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 24 players to D-League affiliates, there have also been 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA this season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed. As part of NBA All-Star 2007, the D-League hosted its first-ever Gillette All-Star Game presented by 24 Hour Fitness that took place at NBA Jam Session.
Established to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.
For more information about the Albuquerque Thunderbirds call (505) 265-DUNK or log on to www.abqtbirds.com.
NBA G League Stories from April 3, 2007
- Wizards Run Down Toros - Dakota Wizards
- D-Fenders Ground Thunderbirds - Los Angeles D-Fenders
- Thunderbirds Move Season Finale - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Former Maryland star acquired by Stampede - Idaho Stampede
- Bland Returns to the Thunderbirds - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Nets recall Mile Ilic from D-League - Colorado 14ers
- D-League daily developments - G League
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