By Jourdan Kerl
Medill Reports

The price of Sunday night’s NBA All-Star game tickets rose to an average of $1,900 per seat but it did not stop thousands of fans from traveling across the globe to see the league’s top talent, even if they would not be seated in Staples Center.

Instead, they were in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, enjoying a budget All-Star experience.

Attendees could see the NBA on TNT Road Show and the NBA Crossover, both of which headlined the fan experiences at All-Star weekend. Diehard basketball fans and tourists will find similar activities to enjoy at future All-Star weekend sites, like Charlotte in 2019 and Chicago in 2020.

All-Star fun on the cheap:

• NBA on TNT Road Show (Thursday-Sunday): Get a firsthand look at the NBA on TNT with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. The space included free concerts like Kendrick Lamar and Lil Uzi Vert, basketball activities and photo opportunities with the guys. This event is free and open to the public during specific hours.
• NBA Crossover (Friday-Saturday): This blend of entertainment, fashion, art and video gaming showcases the impact the NBA has made in pop culture with guest appearances from NBA All-Stars and other celebrity guests. This event is free and open to the public.
• Rising Stars Challenge (Friday): The NBA’s top rookies and second-year players face off in a warmup match to the weekend’s big event Sunday. This year’s tickets range from $10 – $250.
• Media Day (Saturday): For the first time in All-Star history, Media Day was open to the public as fans can watch their favorite players in the hot seat answering questions from reporters. Tickets cost $10.
• NBA G League International Challenge (Sunday): The minor league stars leave Twitch and join NBA TV for an early evening that takes place before the All-Star Game. Tickets range from $10 – $20.