The Harlem Wizards are set to return to the Magic Dome at Williamsport Area High School in a fundraiser benefit game for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) on Feb. 9, 2023.
The game, presented by Geisinger, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors set to open at 5:30.
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.
“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,” said WASDEF Executive Director Greg Hayes. “Along with a brand-new Wizards team, we’re expecting to have several new team members from the district playing as well, so audiences are promised they won’t see the same show as they have before.”
The event first made its Magic Dome debut in 2014 and, through 2018, helped to generate about $80,000 for the education foundation.
“Each year, the event surpassed our expectations, and each year, it was hugely successful,” Hayes said, adding that the average audience attendance over the five-year span was about 1,800 people. “It was a great run, the community loved it, but the foundation board believed it was best to take a bit of a hiatus, try something new and bring it back for a new wave of students in the future.”
Tickets are now on sale online through the education foundation’s website under “Events” at http://www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
Advance tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. At the gate, tickets will sell for $15 for students and $20 general admission. Children 3 and under are free.
New this year is the opportunity to purchase ticket packages.
– Reserved tickets can be purchased for $30. Reserved ticket-holders receive special reserved seating close to the court, a free team poster for kids and $5 souvenir voucher for adults.
– Courtside Plus tickets can be purchased for $45. These ticket-holders receive courtside reserved seating, pregame meet-and-greet with players, souvenir lanyard, color team photo for kids (perfect for autographs), a $10 souvenir voucher for adults, and a $10 discount on a Wizards replica jersey.
– Benchwarmer tickets can be purchased for $90. These ticket-holders receive all the benefits of Courtside Plus, plus sit on Wizards bench. Kids also get a jersey (jersey size will be chosen at the game) and adults receive a $10 voucher.
“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, our presenting sponsor this year.”
Other sponsors include EQT as the Home Team sponsor; Staiman’s Recycling as the Slam Dunk sponsor; Baker Tilly, C&N, Hudock Capital as Fast Break sponsors; and Bayada Health Care as a Swish sponsor.
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 www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
