By: Faith Staskiewicz, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – According to History.com, The Harlem Globetrotters originated in Chicago in 1926. They continue to play around the world today, including right here in Omaha.
The Harlem Globetrotters made a stop at the Baxter Arena for their 2023 World Tour. They claim to be a show you can’t look away from, with “rim-rattling dunks”, and “side-splitting comedy.”
The team was founded in the 1920s, and are soon approaching their 100th anniversary, since being founded they have entertained over 148 million fans in 123 territories and countries worldwide.
Baxter Arena AV Technician Jim Eisele was a camera operator for the show. He said he saw the Globetrotters over 15 years ago, and will now witness the show behind the scenes.
“Obviously I’m not going to be in the crowd, I’m going to be seeing it through a lens. I’m really excited to be a part of it, and excited to see what they are going to bring, you know, 15 years later what it is going to look like,” Eisele said.
Event Attendee Keli Alabi took his son to the show with a premium experience called “Magic Pass.” This was the VIP experience in which attendees could take part in special events before the game. Keli said he saw the Harlem Globetrotters when he was young, and wanted to do the same for his son.
“I went and saw them at the Civic auditorium Downtown in Omaha. So, I just have good memories from that. I decided it would be a good opportunity to share with my kiddo,” Alabi said.
In total, about 750 men and women have played for the Harlem Globetrotters. The Harlem Globetrotters will end their World tour in Wetzlar, Germany on October 8th, 2023.
