The Harlem Wizards will spin their basketball wizardry and prestidigitation (magic) again when they appear at the Williamsport High School Gym (the aptly nicknamed Magic Dome) on Wednesday, January 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event is being held to raise funds for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation.
“We’re excited to bring back an event that’s proven to be family-friendly for the community and one that ultimately benefits our students through the foundation. Last year, with the support of our community and sponsors, we were able to raise a net total of more than $20,000,” Greg Hayes, Executive Director of the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, told Webb Weekly.
According to Hayes, the event made its initial appearance at the Magic Dome in 2014 and continued annually until 2018. Following a five-year hiatus, the Wizards returned in 2023 and marked a milestone of collectively generating more than $125,000 for the education foundation.
Money raised from this event has helped support numerous district programs and projects, including mental health and suicide prevention programs, opportunities in the district’s performing and visual arts programs, and academic innovation in classrooms.
The average attendance at each Harlem Wizards appearance has been about 1,700 spectators.
From crazy slam dunks to three-man alley-oops, the New Jersey-based organization promises a night of spontaneous humor and excitement in “basketball wizardry on the hardwood.”
The education foundation is in the midst of coordinating all aspects of the event and is finalizing its “Millionaire Magicians” team, comprised of teachers, principals, staff and students from across the district who will go up against the Wizards.
Tickets are now on sale online.
Tickets are $15 for both students and adults. Children 3 and under are free.
This year’s ticket packages:
Reserved tickets for both students and adults can be purchased for $30. Reserved ticketholders receive special reserved seating close to the court, a free team poster for kids, and a $5 souvenir voucher for adults.
Courtside Plus tickets for both students and adults can be purchased for $50. These ticketholders receive courtside reserved seating, pregame meet-and-greet with players, souvenir lanyards, color team photos, a $5 discount on a Wizards replica jersey for kids, and a $10 souvenir ticket for adults.
“We’re making every attempt to bring back this event with as much impact as possible,” Hayes said. “We are very grateful for our sponsors who have stepped up to help make that happen, particularly Geisinger, which is returning as our presenting sponsor.”
Other sponsors include EQT as the Home Team sponsor; Woodlands Bank, Bayada Home Health Center, and Advanced Wildlife Pest Control as Swish Sponsors; and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Lamar Advertising, and Backyard Broadcasting as media sponsors.
The WASD Education Foundation is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the school district. The education foundation facilitates charitable giving and permanent legacies based on individual areas of interest in educational innovation, the arts, athletics, and scholarships. For more information on the foundation, visit http://www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
