Complete 2008-09 Schedule

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 12, 2008 – The Albuquerque Thunderbirds open their 2008-09 season in the NBA Development League on Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. when they host the Colorado 14ers at Tingley Coliseum.

“We are so excited about entering our fourth season and bringing our fans the future stars of the NBA,” says Thunderbirds Chief Operating Officer, Chris Holland. “Our new affiliations with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami HEAT will only add to the already exciting line-up of special giveaways and theme nights we have planned. You will see many of your favorite promotions return like the Native American All Star Game, Fan Appreciation Night, 70’s Night, and Military Appreciation night.”

Holland also emphasizes the convenience that Thunderbirds games offer the city of Albuquerque as this year’s Thunderbirds schedule is once again loaded with weekend dates. “We have 19 of our 24 games being played on a weekend which makes it even easier to come and enjoy a Thunderbirds game. Our affordable ticket pricing will fit every budget with tickets starting as low as $5.00.”

The Thunderbirds continue their tradition of playing 24 games at home and 24 games on the road, with two home games being reserved for the School House Jam community initiative. School House Jam is a student rewards program which allows students to experience a Thunderbirds game as part of a field-trip while learning valuable leadership skills and the responsibility involved with being a professional athlete. Last year’s School House Jam games were attended by a record setting 6,625 students.

Along with their regularly scheduled games the Thunderbirds will take part in the 2009 NBA D-League Showcase that will take place from Jan. 5-8 at McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah as well as the 2008-09 NBA D-League All-Star Game and Dream Factory which is part of NBA Jam Session presented by adidas at NBA All-Star 2009 in Phoenix.

The NBA D-League will continue to have three divisions for the 2008-09 season. The Central and Southwest divisions will feature five teams, while the West division will have six. The Albuquerque Thunderbirds will play in the Southwest division.

The Divisions for the 2008-09 season will break down as follows:

CENTRAL
Dakota
Erie
Fort Wayne
Iowa
Sioux Falls

SOUTHWEST
Albuquerque
Austin
Colorado
Rio Grande Valley
Tulsa

WEST
Anaheim
Bakersfield
Idaho
Los Angeles
Reno
Utah

All home games for the 2008-2009 season will be played at Tingley Coliseum, and tickets are on sale now! Visit www.abqtbirds.com to stay up to date on the latest happenings with your Thunderbirds. Call 505.265.DUNK now to reserve your seats in the Courtside Club, VIP Room, and various arena seating levels.