In case you needed another reason to look forward to the Wizards’ Verizon Center game against the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday, here’s one: The team has just announced that Grammy-nominated hometown rapper and “die-hard Wizards fan” Wale will serve as a “creative liaison” for the upcoming season. What does that mean? His songs will be featured in the team’s intro video, he’ll help design merchandise and collaborate on social-media promotion, and he’ll also participate in charity projects with the team.
But here’s the part you’ll actually care about: Wale will perform live at the Verizon Center Saturday as the part of the pregame player introductions. Freedom High School’s marching band will also perform outside the F Street entrance to the Gallery Place Metro, and the Wizards girls will be available for photo ops.
Wale’s “creativity and vision will help enhance our in-game experience, and his commitment to the Washington, D.C., community is a perfect blend with our charitable pillars,” says Joe Dupriest, Monumental Sports senior vice president, in a press release. The artist himself adds, “As a D.C. native and lifelong Wizards fan, this is truly an exciting and organic relationship for me. We’ve got some exciting projects up our sleeve that will roll out throughout the season.”
Tickets to Saturday’s 7 PM game are on sale now, starting at $25. A concert and a basketball game for the price of two cocktails? Sounds like a good deal to me.
