The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are once again bringing some good cheer to U.S. troops based overseas, marking the 75th anniversary of the Ambassadors of Goodwill performing for U.S. military members all over the world.
The trip, made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, will consist of 10-games in 13 days on U.S. military bases in Asia – including stops in Japan, South Korea, and Guam. A touring group including Hammer Harrison, Bull Bullard, Ace Jackson, Flip White, Dragon Taylor and Jet Rivers will tip-off the tour this week.
Highlights of previous military tours include the Globetrotters’ first-ever visit to Afghanistan in November 2012, tours of Iraq in 2009 and 2006, a visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2005 – and games on four active-duty U.S. aircraft carriers, including a performance on the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in 2006. Last year, the Globetrotters performed throughout Europe, including stops in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
“Any chance to entertain fans is a special opportunity, but when you get to do it for the men and women serving our country – it’s an honor and a privilege,” said Globetrotter star Bull Bullard. “Getting to perform for them on their home bases – which are so far from their own homes – is the least we can do. They are an inspiration to us all.”
In just the past 14 years alone, the Globetrotters have visited 50 U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Cuba, Djibouti, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iraq, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
It all marks the start of an exciting 2018 campaign for the Globetrotters – their 92nd – as they tip off the 2018 “Amazing Feats of Basketball” World Tour on Dec. 7. The team will play in over 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.
The Harlem Globetrotters are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 91 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters.
