Menino Looking to Bring All-Star Game Back to Boston

Boston Globe
Although Boston may be the most storied city in league history, it has not hosted an NBA All-Star Game since 1964. As soon as the lockout concludes, Houston is expected to be officially announced as the host city - for the second time in seven years - for the 2013 game.
It is believed that ownership squabbles between the Celtics and the Bruins, as well as disagreements with the mayor over the past several years, have grounded any plans for the February classic to return to Boston. But Mayor Thomas Menino said the days of infighting within Boston’s sports and political infrastructure are over.

“We haven’t had it since ’64 and I think we’re ready for it,’’ Menino said. “We have new ownership, new enthusiasm, the fan base out here for it, and I just think we have the facility and everything ready to go.

“I hope that the NBA makes the decision in the near future to bring the All-Star Game to our city.’’
About a month ago after hearing that Houston would be getting the All-Star game again in 2013, I almost started a petition on here to get the NBA All-Star game back in Boston for 2014, which would mark 50 years, since the last time it took place here. You know Massachusetts where we have 17 NBA titles. Where the Hall of Fame is located. Then I figured with the direction of this lockout, that this year's game will be cancelled, so that would then make 2014 no longer available. Either Orlando would get it as a make-up for the cancelled 2012 game, or Houston would get it as the venues would be pushed back a year.

The news that Mayor Menino is on board is definitely welcome, but the Celtics ownership needs to start making the push as well. Until then it's really much ado about nothing. Maybe somehow we can get President Obama to suggest it. Worked pretty well with the Bill Russell statue.