NBA Tickets

The NBA All-Star Game is a scrimmage between the Eastern and Western Conferences, in which the best players from each conference put their offensive talents on display in a high-scoring match. Every year, the event -- and festivities surrounding it -- is sure to be star-studded, action-packed, and just plain fun to watch.

The first All-Star Game took place in 1951, in which the Eastern All-Stars team defeated the Western All-Stars team by a score of 111–94. The game was a huge success, attracting a crowd much larger than the league average. Thus, one of the most enduring NBA traditions was born.

The location of the game varies, rotating among some of the best venues in the world. In most cases, the location is an NBA team arena; occasionally, the game is hosted at a larger venue, such as an NFL stadium.

Today, All-Star events include the Rising Stars Challenge, which pits rookies and second-year players against each other; the NBA All Star Celebrity Game, in which teams of teams of former basketball players, team owners, actors, and pop stars play in a scrimmage match; and the Skills Challenge, which includes the Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest. One of the things that sets the NBA All-Star Game apart is the buy-in from the players, with iconic moments such as Michael Jordan in the dunk contest elevating the sport.

Some of the most famous names in basketball history have taken part in the All-Star Game. Past All-Star Game MVP include Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Oscar Robertson, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, and many more.

The halftime of an NBA All-Star Game can also be an entire event on its own -- these shows often feature musical guests or other performances. Past guests include Snoop Dogg, Elton John, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and John Legend.

The 2018 contest – the 67th all-star game in total – saw a format change to reinvigorate the product. Two captains were chosen by the most votes in each of the conferences, with those captains then drafting their own teams based on players selected by fans. The winning team of 12 players now gets a six figure sum to donate to the charity of their choice to put something on the line and make the game more competitive while still retaining the fun and showy style that fans have become used to.