A scheduling conflict rules out use of the TD Garden as a replacement site for the NBA All-Star weekend next February, according to owners Delaware North Cos.
Political leaders including House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh this week asked the NBA to consider Boston as the league scrambles to find a replacement location for its annual mid-year showcase. The league announced it would pull the three-day event out of Charlotte, North Carolina because of HB2, the state’s new law exempting transgendered people from protection against discrimination.
But the Celtics’ arena is unavailable during the week in question, TD Garden spokeswoman Tricia McCorkle said Friday.
“We have not been approached by the NBA to host the 2017 All-Star game, however, we would be unable to host due to scheduling commitments that week,” McCorkle said via email.
In a social media post Thursday night, DeLeo invited the NBA to consider Boston. DeLeo cited a Massachusetts’ law that takes effect Oct. 1 preventing discrimination against transgendered people and allowing them to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identities.
DeLeo’s post was retweeted by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh. At least two Boston city councilors – Josh Zakim, whose district includes the TD Garden, and Matt O’Malley – also voiced support on social media.
“We’d certainly welcome them at the @tdgarden in District 8!” Zakim tweeted Thursday night.
The Boston Celtics released a statement supporting the league’s decision to pull out of Charlotte.
The February event would have generated approximately $100 million in spending by visitors at hotels, bars and restaurants, Charlotte officials had estimated. The league typically needs at least 5,500 hotel rooms in the host city for players, league officials, media and corporate sponsors.
The Celtics have hosted the NBA All-Star game four times, most recently in 1964.
The Vertical sports site reported Thursday that New Orleans is the early front-runner to replace Charlotte. ESPN said Chicago and New York are also options.
Pat Moscaritolo, CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, said Boston’s hotel inventory easily could accommodate the event. But along with the Garden scheduling issue, there are other considerations, such as finding locations to host ancillary events such as the Fan Experience which requires up to 500,000 square feet, he said.
