David Saffran/MSG Photos

Number 22 honored during special ceremony at New York’s Madison Square Garden

(NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2008) – In a night filled with celebration, reverence and emotion, the iconic Curly Neal had his number 22 retired by the world renowned Harlem Globetrotters at the world’s most famous arena, New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

The beloved basketball marvel is just the fifth Globetrotter in the team’s illustrious 82-year history to have his jersey number retired, joining some of the biggest names in basketball lore: Wilt Chamberlain (13), Marques Haynes (20), Meadowlark Lemon (36), and Goose Tatum (50).

Among those paying homage to Curly and his distinguished career were Globetrotter Legends Sweet Lou Dunbar and Tex Harrison, as well as current Globetrotter star Flight Time Lang, who will be the last Globetrotter to ever wear number 22.

One of the truly magical dribblers and shooters ever to pick up a ball, Curly captured the imagination of fans worldwide, playing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries with the Globetrotters.  Number 22 fittingly played for 22 seasons in the red, white and blue, from 1963 to 1985. 

The special “Curly Neal Weekend” included games at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., and at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.  The celebration will continue throughout the 2008 “Magic As Ever” World Tour, as the Globetrotters travel across North America through April 13.  Click here to purchase tickets to a peformance near you. 

Celebrating their 82nd consecutive year of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life.  The organization is one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.    For information about group or scout tickets, contact the Globetrotters at 800-641-HOOP.