The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will be celebrating "Noche Latina" during three games in the month of March.
The NBA has celebrated various "Noche Latina" events with selected teams since the 2006-07 season, all in the efforts to recognize and celebrate the growing support of NBA fans and players across Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities.
Here is an excerpt from the official press release regarding "Noche Latina" from the Lakers issued today.
"The NBA announced its seventh annual Noche Latina (Latin Night) program of 16 games today with the Los Angeles Lakers kicking off their celebration on March 3 at STAPLES Center by wearing "Los Lakers" uniforms against the Atlanta Hawks. The Lakers will also celebrate Noche Latina in home games against the Chicago Bulls on March 10 and Sacramento Kings on March 17.
"To further honor Hispanic fans and players during Noche Latina games, participating teams, which in addition to the Lakers include Chicago, Miami, New York, Orlando, Phoenix and San Antonio, will host in-arena Latin-themed activities including musical performances and giveaways. As the league's marquee program under the éne•bé•a platform, Noche Latina events will also be supported with television and radio advertising on both English- and Spanish-language media across the country as well as on the league's Spanish-language Web site, enebea.com, and social media pages."
Lakers Senior Vice President of Business Operations/Chief Marketing Officer Tim Harris added the following regarding "Noche Latina":
"The NBA's inclusion of the Lakers in its month-long slate of Noche Latina games is the perfect opportunity for our organization to recognize its tremendous Hispanic fan base."
"From broadcasting games on the radio in Spanish for nearly two decades to creating a team-dedicated Spanish language television network in Time Warner Deportes, the Lakers are committed to giving Hispanic fans unprecedented access. Noche Latina is our opportunity to say 'thank you' to Angelinos and fans around the world of Hispanic heritage for their passionate and unwavering support."
The Lakers will recognize and celebrate the growing diversity of the Lakers fanbase on March 3rd, 10th and 17th.