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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Harlem Globetrotters Shoot For Laughs, Thrills At Arena

Joe Ehrbar Correspondent

In 1993, the Harlem Globetrotters went bankrupt.

Though the basketball team, known for its trademark comic tomfoolery and hoop wizardry, had never lost a game, it was losing a far more serious battle.

Attendance, merchandise sales and overall interest were all down. Could it be that one of America’s most popular staples of family entertainment was on its way to extinction?

Almost.

That’s when Mannie Jackson, a senior vice president for marketing at Honeywell Inc. and a former Globetrotter, stepped in and purchased the team.

Less than three years later, the Globetrotters have made a 180-degree turn. Profits are way up. And most importantly, the team has jumped back into the hearts of millions across the globe. They will be in uniform at the Spokane Arena on Monday.

Currently celebrating their 70th year, the Globetrotters look better than ever and resemble nothing of the team of old. The only things that have remained constant are the distinguished red, white and blue uniforms and basketballs and the timeless theme song, “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

So what’s different about this team?

There’s a possibility the Globetrotters will lose. In September, they took the court against the Legendary All-Stars, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and were handed their first defeat in 8,829 games.

What’s more, the infamous Washington Generals - the team of rehearsed hacks that lost every game they played against the trotters for 43 years - closed camp. In their place, the Globetrotters are playing against a team of international basketball superstars, appropriately name the International All-Stars. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Tickets are available at the Arena box office and at all regional G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, or by calling 325-SEAT.

This sidebar appeared with the story: The Harlem Globetrotters perform at the Spokane Arena on Monday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $70 (includes commemorative chair), $20, $13.50 and $9.50.

Tickets are available at the Arena box office and at all regional G&B; Select-a-Seat outlets, or by calling 325-SEAT.

This sidebar appeared with the story: The Harlem Globetrotters perform at the Spokane Arena on Monday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $70 (includes commemorative chair), $20, $13.50 and $9.50.