| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Day of the Dead | A Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones, marked by colorful celebrations. |
| NBA Global Games | A series of NBA games played outside the United States and Canada. |
| Catrina | A traditional and elegantly dressed skeleton figure, often associated with Day of the Dead celebrations. |
The NBA is set to return to Mexico City for a regular-season game between the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers on November 7 at Arena CDMX. This game will be part of the NBA’s Global Games series and is scheduled to coincide with the Day of the Dead celebrations, featuring themed elements like court design and decorations inspired by the holiday. This includes vibrant colors, marigolds, skeletons, and catrinas.
Since 1992, Mexico has hosted 35 NBA games, more than any other country outside the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the strong relationship between the NBA and Mexico. Raúl Zárraga, NBA Latin America’s senior vice president, emphasized the importance of this event in connecting the global game to fans in Latin America and beyond.
The Denver Nuggets, led by Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic, will be making their second appearance in Mexico, but their first during the regular season. Jokic, a three-time MVP, is expected to be a major draw for fans. In contrast, the Indiana Pacers struggled last season, missing the playoffs due to injuries and losing streaks. However, the game in Mexico marks their first international appearance, making them the 23rd franchise to play in the country.
Last year’s NBA game at Arena CDMX was a sellout, with over 20,000 fans attending. The venue is also home to the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League, which has seen strong attendance. Fans interested in attending the upcoming game can register for tickets online, with game time typically around 8 or 8:30 p.m. local time.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Festival | Festival |
| Global | Global |
| Regular | Regular |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think the NBA values playing games internationally, such as in Mexico?
- How might the Day of the Dead theme enhance the experience for fans attending the game?
- What impact does having international sports events in Mexico have on local communities and businesses?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Discuss the significance of having a global sports event like the NBA game in Mexico City.
- How do international players like Nikola Jokic influence the global popularity of the NBA?
