Texas Border Business
Rockets set for practice and appearances in the RGV
MCALLEN, Texas, Oct. 13, 2014 – The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers today announced the public events that will take place during Rocket Launch 2014. This year’s Rocket Launch will blast off Oct. 17-19 when the Houston Rockets hold training camp practices locally in the Rio Grande Valley at State Farm Arena. On Sunday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. (CT), the Rockets will host the Golden State Warriors in a NBA preseason contest at State Farm Arena.
“This year’s Rocket Launch marks the fourth time we have brought the event to the Rio Grande Valley. During the Rockets’ stay in the valley, fans will have the opportunity to see NBA stars and former Vipers attending community events,” Vipers president Bert Garcia said. “Rocket Launch is a great opportunity for us to tip off basketball season locally as we prepare for the Vipers home opener on Nov. 14.”
During their stay in the valley, Rockets players and coaches will also make appearances throughout the RGV to meet with local fans. The first appearance will be a VIP Casino Night reception the evening of Oct. 16 at the home of Vipers majority owner Alonzo Cantu. On Friday, Oct. 17, the Rockets will be active throughout the community with appearances at Barrientes Middle School, the Children’s Center at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance and an autograph session at RGV Vipers title sponsor Lone Star National Bank.
Former Viper Troy Daniels and Jason Terry will headline the autograph session from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lone Star National Bank’s corporate office, located at 520 East Nolana in McAllen. Fans should bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley for the opportunity to meet Daniels and Terry.
NBA All-Star Dwight Howard and former Viper Ish Smith will host an anti-bullying pep rally at Barrientes Middle School in Edinburg. Also, Donatas Motiejūnas, who played with RGV during the 2012-13 season, and rookie Nick Johnson will visit the Children’s Center at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance. Both of these events are also set for 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 17.
For more information about Rocket Launch or to purchase tickets to the Houston Rockets versus Golden State Warriors game on Oct. 19, call the RGV Vipers at 956-972-1144 or visit Ticketmaster.com.
