Sixers announce preseason sked; games in Mexico, Canada

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced the team’s 2009 preseason schedule, , highlighted by games in Mexico and Canada.

The Sixers will return to London, Ontario, to face the Toronto Raptors at the John Labatt Centre on Tue, Oct. 6. The John Labatt Centre is operated and managed by Global Spectrum, the public assembly facility management subsidiary of Sixers parent company, Comcast-Spectacor. The Sixers last played in London against the Raptors on Oct. 17, 2004.

The Philadelphia Flyers will also play a preseason game at the John Labatt Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 17.

On Oct. 9, the Sixers return home to the Wachovia Center for a matchup against another Atlantic Division rival, the New Jersey Nets. The Sixers will play one other preseason game at the Wachovia Center on Oct. 20 against Head Coach Eddie Jordan’s former team, the Washington Wizards.

As part of the NBA’s ongoing commitment to growing the game in Mexico, the Sixers and Phoenix Suns will play at the Arena Monterrey on Oct. 18. The league first visited Monterrey in 2006, when the Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets in front of a sellout crowd.

“We're thrilled about the opportunity to bring some of the NBA's most exciting teams and accomplished players to Monterrey," said NBA Senior Vice President of International Development and Partnerships Emilio Collins. "Our fans in Mexico are some of the most passionate in the world, and this year's NBA Mexico Game is sure to provide them with an unforgettable NBA experience.”

Below is the Sixers complete eight-game preseason schedule. Television and radio coverage will be announced at a future date.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION VENUE TIME

Tue., Oct. 6 vs. Toronto London, Ontario John Labatt Centre 7:30 p.m.

Wed., Oct 7 at Toronto Toronto, Ontario Air Canada Centre 7:00 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 9 vs. New Jersey Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center 7:00 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 13 at New York New York, NY Madison Square Garden 7:30 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 16 at Phoenix Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center 10:00 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 18 vs. Phoenix Monterrey, Mexico Arena Monterrey 9:00 p.m.

Tue., Oct 20 vs. Washington Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center 7:00 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 23 at New Jersey Queens, NY Carnesecca Arena 8:00 p.m.