Sixers to play preseason game at University of Delaware

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers have announced they will play a preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Friday, October 11, at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, which is home to the Sixers’ new D-League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers.

“This game is about the Sixers’ and the Sevens’ continued commitment to Delaware and the great basketball fans across the state. We look forward to becoming a part of the fabric of the community and are proud to contribute to its vibrant corporate growth,” said Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil. “Showcasing this classic rivalry at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware will be an incredible opportunity to show our appreciation to Sixers fans in Delaware, while helping build Sevens fans of tomorrow."

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Sixers to campus for a preseason game. What a great opportunity to experience an NBA powerhouse match-up so close to home. With the 87ers playing their season at the Bob, I know the Sixers’ game is just the first of many exciting nights we’ll have there,” added University of Delaware President Patrick Harker.

The Delaware 87ers will host “87ers Day” on Wednesday, August 7 (8/7) with a series of public events, pep rallies, ticket voucher giveaways and promotions concentrated in Wilmington and Newark, Del. Fans throughout the state will be able to participate in the day through social media contests on Twitter at @sevens and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Delaware87ers.

The Sixers completed the purchase of the operating rights to the Utah Flash of the NBA Development League on April 27 and re-established the team as the Delaware 87ers, or “Sevens” for short.  The team name was selected as a nod to its parent organization, the 76ers, and in recognition of Delaware’s place in history as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. At the time, the Sixers became just the sixth NBA team with 100-percent direct ownership of its D-League affiliate.

Ticket information for this game, as well as the Sixers complete preseason schedule, will be announced at a future date.