NBA District in Abu Dhabi opens at Manarat Al Saadiyat - in pictures

  • Fans arrive at the NBA District under a tunnel walk that celebrates the history of championship rings, banners and jerseys over the past 75 years. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Fans arrive at the NBA District under a tunnel walk that celebrates the history of championship rings, banners and jerseys over the past 75 years. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The family-friendly event is open to fans of all ages.
    The family-friendly event is open to fans of all ages.
  • A fan takes a photo with former NBA player and coach Isiah Thomas.
    A fan takes a photo with former NBA player and coach Isiah Thomas.
  • Milwaukee Bucks players MarJon Beauchamp, centre, and Sandro Mamukelashvili, right, visit the NBA District.
    Milwaukee Bucks players MarJon Beauchamp, centre, and Sandro Mamukelashvili, right, visit the NBA District.
  • NBA District has various zones for visitors and fans to explore.
    NBA District has various zones for visitors and fans to explore.
  • A young fan enjoys one of the video installations.
    A young fan enjoys one of the video installations.
  • Thomas takes to the stage for a small Q&A session with fans.
    Thomas takes to the stage for a small Q&A session with fans.
  • Former basketball champion Shaquille O'Neal makes his way to the stage.
    Former basketball champion Shaquille O'Neal makes his way to the stage.
  • Fans crowd for basketball Hall of Fame players O'Neal and Thomas.
    Fans crowd for basketball Hall of Fame players O'Neal and Thomas.
  • A basketball covered in Swarovski crystals on display in the 'Infinity Room'.
    A basketball covered in Swarovski crystals on display in the 'Infinity Room'.
  • There are two half-courts set up inside the NBA District.
    There are two half-courts set up inside the NBA District.
  • Fans have a chance to win limited-edition Air Jordans.
    Fans have a chance to win limited-edition Air Jordans.
  • There's a small NBA store for visitors to purchase merchandise.
    There's a small NBA store for visitors to purchase merchandise.
  • Fans show off their skills playing 'Pop-A-Shots'.
    Fans show off their skills playing 'Pop-A-Shots'.
  • A freestyler shows off his balancing skills.
    A freestyler shows off his balancing skills.
  • Freestylers show their skills at the NBA District.
    Freestylers show their skills at the NBA District.
  • The arcade space has videogames such as 'NBA 2k', 'NBA Blitz', 'NBA Hoops' and 'Pop-A-Shots'.
    The arcade space has videogames such as 'NBA 2k', 'NBA Blitz', 'NBA Hoops' and 'Pop-A-Shots'.
  • The NBA District is explored by all age groups at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The NBA District is explored by all age groups at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The Gatorade zone has five different activities on one stand.
    The Gatorade zone has five different activities on one stand.
  • An exhibition about past NBA players is on display.
    An exhibition about past NBA players is on display.