Residency From July 12th-20th Will Include the Official Globetrotters Open Tryout, Eight LIVE Games, Premium Fan Engagements, Kids Day Camp, and Unique Programs Designed to Celebrate the Culture and History as the Global Brand Celebrates Their Centennial in 2026
May 13, 2025 (New York and Secaucus, NJ) – Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world famous, Harlem Globetrotters™ today announced they will be returning Saturday, July 12th- Sunday, 20th to American Dream in New Jersey for the second version of their summer sports residency. The news was announced today by both Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios and Bryan Gaus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Dream.
“The Harlem Globetrotters are the first sports team in history to host a residency and we’re excited once again partner with American Dream and provide our fans legendary entertainment with the return of our kids day camps for the first time in over a decade,” said Dawkins. “This residency will also have us welcoming basketball competitors from all over the world to try out to join our Centennial team as we lead to our 100th in 2026!”
The nine-day residency at American Dream, the world’s leading and innovative retail, dining and entertainment destination, will include an open tryout for men and women to join the squad for next year’s historic season, eight LIVE games throughout the week, where the Harlem Globetrotters™ will take on their legendary rivals, the Washington Generals, and two-hour Globetrotter Basketball Day Camps for kids. Additional details and special events and activities tied to the residency will be announced in the coming weeks. The Globetrotters will also be streaming content on their new owned and operated channels and are in discussions with media partners on additional distribution channels highlighting the residency.
“The Harlem Globetrotters, just like American Dream, embody community, entertainment, and fun, making us the perfect partners for this groundbreaking residency,” said Gaus. “Our property continues to set the standard as a unique sports and events destination while also complementing MetLife Stadium’s extensive list of events next door. Now, one of the most iconic sports franchises will call American Dream home.”
American Dream has become a destination for major sporting events. The center hosted the 2024 USA Curling National Championships, the National Basketball Player Association’s The Throne – High School Basketball National Championship and Arena Bowl 33. Additionally, there are several more athletic competitions and events in the pipeline that will be announced shortly. These events make up a portion of the 500 events held annually at the venue, which also boasts an extensive list of top retailers, fine dining and world-class attractions.
Additional exclusive offerings for kids and families include:
· The Harlem Globetrotters Kids Skill Clinic – Don’t miss your chance to participate on the court at Harlem Globetrotters Skills Day Camp! Get an inside download of Harlem Globetrotters history, participate in an exclusive Q&A with the players, and then it’s time to practice like a Globetrotter and learn or show off your basketball skills! Work up a sweat with stretching, dribbling, passing, and shooting skills drills with your favorite players and more on the court! Follow it all up with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Harlem Globetrotters Magic Circle tutorial, where you’ll learn the signature ball-handling moves the Globetrotters have been doing since their inception – almost 100 years ago! End this legendary skills camp with Player Autographs and Photos of your forever-favorite Globetrotter players!
· Pre-game Magic Pass – Calling all hoop lovers! This is your chance to show that you’ve got GAME. Bring your family and join the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals on the court before the game to show your skills, shoot some hoops, and get player autographs and photos! The one-of- a-kind 30-minute pre-game, MAGIC PASS begins 90 minutes before tip- off and will create memories you’ll never forget!
· Celebrity Court Pass – The best game access for the biggest basketball fans! Your Celebrity Court Pass gets you center court and one-on-one, for an up close and personal view of the Harlem Globetrotters during their pregame warm-ups! You’ll have exclusive access to the court, where you have the opportunity to see and interact with the entire team while they warm-up, make their World Record breaking shots and skills, and snap on-court player photos – plus receive a commemorative lanyard! Warm-ups begin 30 minutes before game time and will last for 15, unforgettable minutes. Please check-in courtside by the announcer’s table banner immediately after doors open.
· 5th Quarter – All Access – Globetrotter Meet & Greet – After the game, EVERY FAN is invited down to the court for an autograph from their favorite Harlem Globetrotter stars! THAT MEANS YOU! 5th Quarter access is granted for ALL Globetrotter ticket holders for 30 minutes. This is a totally unique experience not to be missed!
· Exclusive Harlem Globetrotters Merchandise – Featuring Harlem Globetrotters branded t-shirts, basketballs, sweatshirts, programs, novelties, and accessories.