The Harlem Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team who combine athleticism with comedy in their style of play and they've been at it for a long time. Created in 1926 by Tommy Brookins in Chicago, Illinois, the team adopted the name Harlem because of its connotations as a major African-American community. The club has a signature song - Brother Bones' whistled version of "Sweet Georgia Brown" plus a distinctive mascot named Globie. The Globetrotters players have big personalities with many becoming celebrities that are still recognized today. During their storied history the Globetrotters have presented more than 26,000 games in 124 countries and territories against opponents that are just no match for this talented team.

We used to watch the team every year on ABC's Wide World of Sports when the always cranky Howard Cosell would sing their praises and legitimize their artistry in the 70's. A film shown during the intermission touched upon the history of the club with clips of some of their most famous stars like Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon and Hubert "Geese" Ausbie. Today, the Globetrotters are back on television every Saturday morning on NBC with Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward that showcases a new generation of personable players and coaches revealing their unique skills and passions both on and off the court.

Thunder was the entertaining master of ceremonies in Nashville.

Before the official game time start both squads were warming up with the Globetrotters demonstrating some of their famous tricks. The Washington Generals were booed and one of them responded with some light trash talk. Both teams had women on their roasters along with those of rather short basketball stature. Crowd interactions and dancing were part of the fun along with the antics that the Globetrotters are known for plus some real scoring. The second quarter included a dunk contest and kids on the court trying to steel a ball from a dribbler.

Half time featured videos of the current lineup attempting tongue twisters with a lot of references to New York where the neighborhood of Harlem is. During the third quarter a few of the Globetrotters were intermingling with the crowd holding up play as part of their strategy. Fans didn't mind after all everyone considers the Globetrotters the home team when they are in town so that is who most folks are cheering for. In the fourth quarter the Washington Generals who were behind proposed a challenge in which whatever team scored eight points first would win the whole game. Both utilized their skills to tie it at 6-6 but I bet you can guess who walked off victorious.

More scenes from the Nashville afternoon thrashing of the Washington Generals.

Today the Globetrotters are a world-wide brand that proudly promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. It is an important part of their history because in the beginning the team was comprised of an all-Black roster who began performing during a time of segregation - 19 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. They also were the first to hire a woman in 1985 to play on a men's professional basketball team. The squad supports community empowerment, education and health so the Globetrotters are goodwill ambassadors both on and off the court.

The Globetrotters put on a family friendly show. They have Premium Fan Experiences like the pre-game Magic Pass, warm-up Celebrity Court Pass or the Behind-The-Court Meet & Greet available in limited quantities plus a VIP Bench Premium option. So come see for yourself the athletic antics of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters when they come to your area.

World class athleticism and antics have kept the Globetrotters hanging around for nearly a century.

Related Links: For more information on the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Harlem Globetrotters | The Harlem Globetrotters in Nashville - Legendary Fun For the Whole Family | The Harlem Globetrotters Produce Big Smiles at the Bridgestone | Bridgestone Arena