What Happened in Vegas Stayed in Vegas

When some folks looked ahead last year to the prospect of the 2008 NBA All-Star Game being played in New Orleans, they saw a repeat, or worse, of the gang-related violence that surrounded the 2007 festivities in Las Vegas. This just in: They were wrong.

All reports from New Orleans indicate a generally peaceful and happy week of All-Star events, with quotes of satisfaction from NBA officials and locals alike. The contrast between the two events, in Vegas and NO, shouldn't have surprised anybody. New Orleans, even on its knees, has world class experience in hosting, and maintaining control over, large, even chaotic, public events. Carnival, after all, draws large numbers tourists for up to two weeks, and lets them roam the streets at will. Vegas, on the other hand, hosts some large conventions, and tourists who spend the bulk of their time inside hotel properties.

New Orleans also managed a half-time show imbued with authentic local music, and major kudos to Harry Connick Jr. for putting it together.

Comments

[Bienville]

Old and busted New Orleans might be OK for basketball players and sportwriters, but evidently only Oxford, MS can handle the refined and discerning needs of presidential candidates and political pundits.

[grantkuper]

Harry,
As a New Orleans native and Uptown business owner, I & all my friends, family & colleagues want to thank you from the bottom of our heart for being a positive and helpful advocate, practically our Ambassador of Good Will for "The City that Care Forgot."
I lived years ago in beautiful Santa Cruz, California for over a decade and mostly raised my kids there, but my hometown of New Orleans has that special soul and inner beauty that just can't be found anywhere else. Thank you!

[HoppinHill]

I just love New Orleans!