World-famous Harlem Globetrotters announce 2027 return to Leeds - date and tickets
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The iconic basketball tricksters will bring two brand-new rival teams and interactive crowd voting to Leeds in the new year
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing an all-new show to Leeds as part of their 2027 world tour.
Titled the Rivalry Tour, the production introduces a brand-new format. For the first time, two new rival teams will join the Globetrotters’ long-standing opponents, the Washington Generals, setting up a competitive season-long points table.
Audience members inside the arena will also play a direct role on court, voting live on match challenges throughout the show and taking part in interactive competition moments.
The game will feature five built-in challenges designed to give rival teams more opportunities to rack up points. Results from the night will feed into an official season-long standings table.
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Doors will open early for a free pre-game tip-off party for all ticket holders inside the arena. Upgrades, including Ultimate Fan Passes and MVP Court Passes, will also be available for fans seeking closer access to the team.
Promoters Triple A commented: "Seventy-five years after the Washington Generals first stepped onto the court against them, the Globetrotters now face a whole line-up of rivals, with new challenges in every game and the crowd helping to decide what happens.
"It is a different show from anything UK fans have seen before, and we cannot wait to bring it to Leeds."
75 Years of the Washington Generals Rivalry
The 2027 tour marks the 75th anniversary of the Globetrotters' infamous rivalry with the Washington Generals.
Formed in 1952 by former NBA champion Louis "Red" Klotz at the request of Globetrotters founder Abe Saperstein, the Generals have played the team in more than 100 countries.
While victory has almost always eluded the Generals, their most famous win came in 1971, when a 50-year-old Klotz sank the winning basket in a dramatic 100-99 upset.
Today's Globetrotters roster features fan favourites including Hammer, Thunder, Torch, Wham, Cheese, Hot Shot, and Ace, carrying on a trick-shot legacy popularised by legends like Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain.
When and where are the Harlem Globetrotters playing in Leeds?
The Harlem Globetrotters will play live in Leeds at First Direct Bank Arena, Arena Way, Arena Quarter, Leeds (LS2 8BY), on February 26.
Doors are scheduled to open at 6pm, with the show commencing at 7.30pm.
When and where can I get tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters in Leeds?
Venue presale access opens at 10:00 AM on October 15.
Tickets for the Leeds show go on general sale at 10:00 AM on October 16 through AXS, Bookings Direct and the official First Direct Bank Arena website.