Harlem Globetrotters UK Tour: Dates, Venues, Players & VIP Tickets

Last Updated: 11/01/2023 at 9:16 am

World famous basketball exhibition team Harlem Globetrotters are back in the UK for a new tour. Find out dates, venues, who’s playing and how to get official VIP tickets here.

Harlem Globetrotters are an American basketball exhibition team formed in Chicago, by Tommy Brookins in 1926. They have played over 26,000 games since their formation, in 124 different countries.

The Globetrotters matches are almost exclusively against purposely 'ineffective opponents', such as the Washington Generals. They do this in order to showcase a mixture of athleticism, comedy and theatre for their audiences.

The basketball stars are the current holders of 21 world records including most basketball bounces in 1 minute (762), furthest basketball hook shot (74ft 9.74in) and most alley-oop slam dunks in 1 minute (13).  

The team has had a huge influence on the sport, helping speed up the formation of the NBA and helping basketball reach a much wider audience. In 1951, the team was named ‘Ambassadors of Extraordinary Goodwill’ by the US State Department.

The Globetrotters have recently announced a world tour for 2023, that includes dates in the UK. Keep reading to find out everything that you need to know and find out how to get VIP tickets.

When was the Harlem Globetrotters' last tour?

Harlem Globetrotters' last tour was their ‘Spread Game Tour’ in 2021/2022. The tour came off the back of a year of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is set to finish in October.

The tour gave fans a chance to get involved in the action instead of just watching, and was labelled as a ‘fully redesigned interactive family entertainment sports experience like no other’ by the Globetrotters themselves.

The tour spanned over 150 different cities worldwide and was used as a way to support social justice initiatives and community programs.

Who is playing for the Harlem Globetrotters?

Over the years, Harlem Globetrotters have had a roster absolutely stacked with world-class talent that has entertained millions of fans around the world. Previous members of the Globetrotters include legends such as ''Wee'' Willie Gardner, David ''Smokey'' Gaines and ''Sweet'' Lou Dunbar.

The roster of players that will be embarking on the 2023 tour is more diverse than ever, showcasing an array of different talents.

The current active Harlem Globetrotters roster is as follows:

Guards

• Hops” Pearce - Winner of the 2018 Dark Horse Dunk Competition.
• “Scooter” Christensen - Globetrotters premier ball handler with 1000 tricks in his collection.
• “Flip” White - Known for his unbelievable athleticism and acrobatics, has a 47-inch vertical leap.
• “Dazzle” Kidon - World Freestyle Basketball Champion, 3-time Polish Freestyle Basketball Champion.
• “Speedy” Artis - University Colonial State Champion 2016, 1,300 career points, known for his dribbling skills and shooting accuracy.
• “Too Tall” Winston - Holder of 4 World Records, an outstanding dribbler and long-range shooter.
• “X-over” Tompkins - Second shortest player in Globetrotters history at 4ft 6, Renowned for his streetball skills.
• “Cheese” Chisholm - Known for his fancy footwork and 4-point shooting accuracy, holds the record for 4-point shots in a game with 22.
• “TNT” Lister - First woman to play for the Globetrotters since 1993.
• “Torch” George - regarded as ‘Queen of the Crossover’, the first female globetrotter to break a world record.
• “Hot Shot” Swanson - Shortest player in team history, master of dribbling and ball handling.
• “Jet” Rivers - Team leader, master of ‘electrifying’ dunks.
• “Wham” Middleton - known for his insane dribbling and dazzling passing. World-class street baller holds 8 world records.

Forwards

• “Zeus” McClurkin - Known for his crazy trick shots, holds 6 world records.
• “Hot Rod” De La Rosa - Known for his height, standing at 7 ft 1.
• “Sweet Lou II” Dunbar - Son of Globetrotters legend “Sweet” Lou Dunbar.
• “Moose” Weekes - Known for his wild antics and iconic afro.
• “Prime Time” Moore - Well decorated USC Upstate graduate, joined in 2021.
• “Crash” McClure - All-time leading scorer at Albany State University.
• “Airport” Kirk - One of the nation's top college dunkers, known for his skill and energetic slams.
• “Buckets” Barrera - Known for his signature one-scoop windmill dunk.
• “Clutch” Ball - Known for his jaw-dropping dunks, winner of ESPN’s ‘City Slam’ 2016.
• “Jammin” London - Incredible athlete and world-class dunker
• “Spider” Sharpless - Former Boxtorow Division 2 National Player of the Year and CIAA Player of the Year.
• “Bounce” Moody - Known for his high-flying finishes, joined in 2021.

Showmen

• “Thunder” Law - High-flying dunker, known for his long-range trick shots.
• “Bulldog” Mack - Known for his legendary trick shots and on-court tenacity.
• “Hammer” Harrison - The dunking sensation is known for holding the world record for the furthest underhand basketball shot (85ft 4.25in).

Every member of the Globetrotters has a unique skill that separates them from the rest. The talent on show at a Harlem Globetrotters match is unlike anything else in the sport, so you won't want to miss it.

Where and when are the Harlem Globetrotters playing?

Harlem Globetrotters are coming back to the UK in 2023, as part of their ‘Pushing the Limits’ world tour. The basketball exhibitionists will perform at over 100 venues on 4 different continents, including 8 UK arena shows.

The dates and venues for the Globetrotters UK shows are as follows:

• Manchester AO Arena, Manchester - April 28, 2023
• Utilita Arena Birmingham, Birmingham - April 29, 2023
• O2 Arena, London - April 30, 2023
• First direct Arena, Leeds - May 01, 2023
• Utilita Arena Newcastle, Newcastle - May 03, 2023
• Utilita Arena Sheffield, Sheffield - May 04, 2023
• Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff - May 05, 2023

How to get VIP tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters UK tour

Harlem Globetrotters offer fans the chance to see a sporting spectacle like no other. For this reason, demand for tickets will likely be high. Instead of fighting to get general admission tickets, why not opt for a VIP hospitality package to elevate your viewing experience to new levels of luxury?  

Seat Unique is delighted to provide fans with access to official premium tickets and hospitality packages to see Harlem Globetrotters light up the court at Manchester's AO Arena, Utilita Arena Birmingham and First Direct Arena, Leeds.

With VIP hospitality, you will enjoy the show from the best seats in the house, experiencing unparalleled panoramic views of the court. You will also have access to exclusive hospitality lounges and benefit from a private entrance and exit from the venue. Hospitality packages also include pre- and post-show meals as well as inclusive drinks.  

*Inclusions vary depending on venue and choice of package.

Tickets to see Harlem Globetrotters in the UK are on sale now. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action! Book your tickets with Seat Unique.