HOUSTON, TX (Dec. 16, 2019) – McDonald's is celebrating the next generation of basketball stars by bringing the 2020 All American Games to Houston for the very first time. Fans will get a first look at some of the nation's top emerging players as they take their talents to the court at Toyota Center on Wednesday, April 1.
Since the Games' inception, Texas has been home to 62 McDonald's All American Boys and 60 McDonald's All American Girls players, including Rashard Lewis (1998), Gerald Green (2005), Justise Winslow (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Brittney Griner (2009), Myles Turner (2014) and Ariel Atkins (2014). Houston, alone, has been home to 21 McDonald's All Americans.
"The McDonald's All American Games has a long history of celebrating the top high school basketball players from across the country and we cannot wait to bring this prestigious event to the passionate hoops fanbase in Houston," said McDonald's All American Games Selection Committee Co-Chairman Joe Wootten. "The boys and girls we select will leave their mark on basketball history and become a part of an alumni group that includes some of the best basketball players to take the court."
"The 2007 McDonald's All American Games were one of the coolest experiences of my life," said Houston Rockets superstar James Harden. "Top high school players from around the country, that have been putting the work in, have the opportunity to showcase it in front of the world."
Since 1977, Games players have represented some of the greatest NBA, WNBA and college stars, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Maya Moore and Candace Parker. This is the 43rd year of the annual Boys Game and the 19th year of the Girls Game.
"We are very excited to be hosting the Games for the first time ever and continue its rich legacy," said Steve McKinney, Houston McDonald's owner/operator and former professional football player. "Houstonians know great basketball and we are looking forward to giving them a front row seat to watch the next generation of top basketball talent."
Tickets to the McDonald's All American Games will be on sale beginning Jan. 23 at ToyotaCenter.com with fans around the country being able to tune in live on Wednesday, April 1 on ESPN for the Boys Game and ESPN2 for the Girls Game. Check local listings for broadcast times.
The McDonald's All American Games continue to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) through its network of local Chapters. At RMHC, programs like the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® provide comfort and compassion to families with ill or injured children so they are fully supported and able to be a part of their children's care.
"For more than four decades the McDonald's All American Games have shown great support for RMHC and this year will be no different," said Sheila Musolino, president and CEO, RMHC. "This year, the partnership will directly benefit RMHC Chapters in the Houston area with their mission of providing care, support and resources to families when they need it most."
Houston Rockets look back on their McDonald's All American experience
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@McDAAG
Get in the Game by following the McDonald's All American Games on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for exclusive access to players. Follow @McDAAG to receive up-to-date information and a behind-the-scenes look at the 2019 Games, including key announcements, local player/coach recognitions, fan giveaways and historical Games facts and figures.
About McDonald's USA
McDonald's serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its global network of over 275 Chapters in more than 64 countries and regions, and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC helps families with ill or injured children stay together, and close to the medical care their child needs at leading hospitals worldwide. RMHC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children's care. For more information, visit rmhc.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Toyota Center
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA's Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation's top concerts and touring shows. The arena's playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro's superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit ToyotaCenter.com.
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