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When the NBA announced that it would pull All-Star weekend from the city of Charlotte due to the controversy surrounding HB2, widely regarded as discriminatory legislation targeting LGBT people.Many were shocked that there wasn’t a resolution made or some sort of middle ground met because of the economic impact that the event brings. All-Star weekend is a lottery ticket for the host city, bringing in revenue for hotel industries, restaurants and practically everything that the perspective city has to offer to tourists.
But with a refusal to budge on its stance on the law, North Carolina has caused other celebrities and businesses to cut ties with state, automatically canceling out of thousands of concerts, events and even potential jobs with a projected loss of yearly income in the tens of millions. But that pales in comparison to the All-Star games impact, being that the weekend alone will result in the city losing out on 10 times that amount with festivities potentially bringing in upwards of $100 million for hotels and local business.
NBA legend and current owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan, released a statement amid the negotiations between NBA officials and NC legislators showing his disapproval of the law:
“As my organization has stated previously, the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are opposed to discrimination in any form, and we have always sought to provide an inclusive environment,”
“As has been the case since the building opened, we will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome while at work or attending NBA games and events at Time Warner Cable Arena.”
It saddens me, as someone born and raised in North Carolina, that the state would be so steadfast in its attempt to hold true to a law that discriminates against any person. Losing out on the All-Star game is a huge step back, but the ideology behind HB2 and legislators trying to keep it intact speaks volumes about the state as a whole.