Harlem Globetrotters bring their talents to NIU's Convo

DeKALB – The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their razzle-dazzle style to Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center next week.

The group, which is embarking on its 94th year, will be in DeKalb for a show at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center, 1525 Lincoln Highway.

The show is part of the team's "Pushing the Limits" world tour.

The Harlem Globetrotters, a basketball team of experts in impossible trick-shots, trick ball-handling, and massive slam dunks, are known for entertaining families worldwide. They've toured 124 countries and territories throughout six continents, according to a news release from the organization.

The team, which is an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has showcased its skills in front of hundreds of millions of fans, including popes, kings, queens and presidents, throughout its 94-year history.

The Harlem Globetrotters will attempt a new world record live at each game during their 2020 tour, according to the release. In many markets, they will also show off their ball-handling warm-ups in the dark using a glow-in-the-dark basketball. The group also will introduce something called “The Fifth Quarter.” The free event after the show allows fans to get autographs and to meet the players.

Crowds will watch the team as the celebrate the 10th anniversary of the four-point shot, a shot released 30 feet from the basket.

Harlem Globetrotters’ head coach Lou Dunbar said the team has always consisted of entertainers and innovators and how in 2020 that will be no exception.

“Our fans have come to expect more than just a great show, and this season promises to deliver more entertainment and excitement than ever before,” he said in the release. “We can’t wait to get the season started and create memories that last a lifetime!”

The Harlem Globetrotters’ roster includes Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, Hammer Harrison, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm. The roster also includes female stars such as TNT Lister and Torch George.

The show will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $92. To purchase tickets, visit the NIU Convocation Center Ticketmaster page.