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How to get an autograph at a basketball game
How to get an autograph at a basketball game
How to Get an NBA Players Autograph
Perhaps there is no item more coveted to an avid and diehard basketball fan than an autographed item from their favorite basketball and NBA player. Whether a signed and autographed basketball, a jersey, or a picture of your favorite player, getting an item autographed by an NBA player can not only increase it value, but will also make the item a bit more special to you.
However, getting and securing an NBA players autograph can be a bit difficult. That is why, below, we are going to review the best ways, and how to, get an NBA players autograph.
However, we do want to encourage both fan and player safety here. Requesting an NBA players autograph, particularly at the game, should be done so politely and respectfully. If your request is denied, do not be insulted or begin to be rude. Remember, especially at the stadium, the players are technically at work and will need to concentrate on the game at hand.
Why do Fans Want NBA Players Autographs?
Before we get into the best ways to get an NBA players autograph, it’s important to review just why so many casual and avid fans want an NBA players autograph.![]()
Perhaps above-all-else, both casual and avid basketball fans are looking for a memento or souvenir which they can take with them. This memento, whether in the form of an autographed jersey, a signed book written by the athlete, or even a piece of paper, signifies and helps fans to remember the moment they met with a famous athlete.
In addition, for many basketball fans, an autographed jersey, basketball, or even poster could be a wise investment. Many NBA players’ autographs yield significant sums of cash and can be sold to the highest bidder. This is particularly true, unfortunately, in the event of an all-star players passing, as was the case with the late Kobe Bryant.
And similarly, for many fans, the simple process of procuring an NBA players autograph is part of the fun, excitement, and thrill. From meeting your favorite player, to having them sign the item, many fans simply enjoy the process that goes into getting their favorite NBA players autograph.
And lastly, for many NBA fans, a signed, autographed memento or souvenir is simply a cherished object that was handled and signed by their favorite player.
For those fans, the simple fact that the item was touched and signed by an NBA player is simply enough.
Are NBA Players’ Autographs Worth Money?
As mentioned above, for many casual and avid fans, securing an NBA players autograph may bring about unexpected fortunes. While most autographed items won’t have a particularly high resale value, some may.
For instance, after Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing, his memorabilia, signature shoe line, and autographed items were reselling on third-party online resellers such as eBay for well-above market value.
Similarly, securing an autograph from an NBA all-star, coupled with a rare or hard to find item, such as their rookie card, may significantly increase the items value. For instance, thee 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Michael Jordan rookie card, in nearly mint condition, is currently reselling for nearly half a million dollars. This same item would, undoubtedly, fetch even higher valuations if signed and autographed by the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan.
Similarly, if we look at a pair of 1985 Jordan 1’s, the shoes resale for over $25,000, but similar pairs, signed and autographed by Michael Jordan, resell for nearly $100,000.
The Definitive Ways to Get an NBA Players Autograph
Whether you’re interested in securing an NBA players autograph for the potential resale value or simply enjoy the process of securing the autograph and meeting with your favorite NBA player, there are a number of ways that you can get an NBA players autograph.
- At the Arena – perhaps one of the best and easiest ways to get an NBA players autograph is to do so at the arena itself. However, by simply being at the arena, you don’t necessarily guarantee yourself the opportunity to get an autograph. Rather, you will need to arrive to the arena early, typically 1.5 to 2 hours early. In addition, you should either be situated in court-side seats or near the tunnel where players come from, and return to, their respective locker rooms.
Once situated, you should have your item and a marker ready for the player to sign. While players are within your vicinity, try calling out their names to get their attention and ask them to sign the particular item.
- At a Meet-and-Greet Event – many times, NBA players and teams will participate in charitable events around the community. By attending and partaking in these events, you may have an opportunity to meet an NBA player and ask them to sign your requested item.
- Buy One From eBay – although, admittedly, not as enjoyable and definitely more expensive, if you really want an NBA players signed autograph and are unable to secure one yourself, you may consider purchasing one from eBay. Although doing so will be more expensive, it is typically much easier and you will be able to receive your item within a few days. However, buyer always beware and be sure to verify the authenticity of the item before purchasing.
- Send Them a Letter – although a bit more challenging, another great option to secure an NBA players autograph is to simply send them or their respective NBA franchise team a letter or an email asking for one. Definitely not a guarantee, but many NBA players and franchise teams will look to accommodate lifelong fans and season ticket holders. Again, you’ll need to be convincing and send a detailed letter or email with the request, but with persistence and a bit of persuasive writing, you may just be able to convince them to autograph and send you an item.
How To Get NBA Autographs In Person: A Guide
| 7/10/2016 11 Comments | | Perhaps like yourself, when I first started graphing the NBA in-person, there was surprisingly very little information on the internet on how to approach this subject. I wondered to myself, "Why hasn't someone put together a 'How-To' guide?" You don't have to give away precious inside information like which hotels visiting players stay at or what time to even stake out said hotel. So wonder no more internet, ThunderGraphs presents the first "How-To" guide on in person NBA graphing. Please note: I only have experience with graphing at shootaround (practice) before the game, so anyone that has hotel experience, feel free to chime in (or continue to keep it a secret, whatever). But remember, what goes around, comes around. 1. Each arena is different, so you will have to do some digging on what time the arena opens. However, this is NOT the time to arrive! You need to be in line and waiting to get in when this magical time rolls around. You may not think it matters, but 5 to 10 minutes can be the difference in getting Kevin Durant and walking away empty handed! |
| 2. You need to come to the game prepared! This means knowing what the players look like and being able to recognize them -- players after shootaround are wearing practice shirts, not jerseys with their numbers on them! Bring the item(s) that you want to get signed, as well as at least 2 Sharpie markers (I recommend black and blue for starters) and 2 paint pens (I prefer Prismacolor over Deco but either one will work) if you're bringing a jersey. 3. Inevitably there will be kids, so let them go first. If a player is on the opposite side, you may call out his name to get his attention, but do NOT be obnoxious about it (no whining and especially NO guilt tripping a player to sign)! Once he comes over, don't wave or shove your items in his face, that's just rude. A general rule of thumb is one autograph per person, unless everyone else around has already gotten one and the player doesn't mind signing more. If he already has a marker, don't give him another one unless you have a good reason (dark photo, etc. ), because he might think you're trying to increase re-sale value. If he refuses to sign, don't trash him -- players are human and have bad days too. If he DOES sign for you, be polite and thank him. Remember, he doesn't owe you anything, even if you did buy a ticket to the game. Your ticket guarantees you a seat to see the game, not get a player's autograph. | This was the Warriors game I attended earlier this year. If only the camera had panned a little more left; I would have been in this shot! |
| 4. Some players are better signers than others. Please note that these are observations from my own experiences (game only), other IP graphers' videos on YouTube, and comments from Blowout/SportsCardForum users. I'm a Thunder Homer, so all other players are roadies. Your roadie graph experiences may be different! | |
| PROBABLY WILL SIGN/ODDS ARE GOOD
Al-Farouq Aminu (POR) - didn't have time for selfies but probably would have given both if circumstances were different
Bradley Beal (WAS) - reportedly okay with signing multiples though he didn't sign for anyone when I saw him
Nemanja Bjelica (MIN) - seems good about signing but his signature leaves a lot to be desired
Aaron Brooks (CHI)
Mario Chalmers (MEM) - friendly and willing to engage the fans. Rock chalk!
Nick Collison (OKC) - 1per, but he's popular (fan favorite) so he may get distracted easily. Gives a nicer sig on non-program items
Mike Conley (MEM)
Jamal Crawford (LAC)
Mark Cuban (DAL) - very nice, he went out of his way to sign for me and probably would have taken a selfie with me if he had more time
Stephen Curry (GSW) - more likely to sign at the game than the hotel, but can be hard to get due to demand; sig quality varies. Like Dirk Nowitzki, Curry takes the first marker he gets and runs with it (usually a black Sharpie)
Boris Diaw (SAS) - if you thought Carlos Boozer was fan-friendly, you've clearly never met Boris Diaw
Gorgui Dieng (MIN)
Jared Dudley (WAS)
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1per
Mario Elie (ORL) - assistant coach for the Magic, nice guy, interacts with the fans and signed 1 for everyone who wanted
Raymond Felton (DAL) - really nice guy, great signer. I had technical difficulties with my camera but he was willing to wait
Evan Fournier (ORL)
Randy Foye (OKC)
Channing Frye (ORL) - seemed to be in a hurry, scribbled a sloppy unrecognizable mess on my photo, but glad I got it
Marc Gasol (MEM) - good guy, glad to see the fame hasn't gone to his head
JaMychal Green (MEM) - gives a nice signature, may sign up to 2per
Jeff Green (MEM/LAC) - runs hot or cold; if he's in a good mood he will sign multiples and pose for pictures, bad - everyone gets blown off
Blake Griffin (LAC) - ask for personalization and he'll give you a better signature
Tobias Harris (ORL) - signed multiples in 2009-10 or so, but this may be old info
Becky Hammon (SAS) - Spurs assistant coach, will sign if you're ready and have something Spurs related. skipped the kid next to me holding a program
Dwight Howard (HOU) - 1per
Josh Huestis (OKC) - I heard him say "I'll sign anything"; if you're a kid, that even includes the wrong player's page in the program
Serge Ibaka (OKC) - 1per, appears to be making mental notes of who he's signing for, so don't double dip; be ready, he moves fast!
Ryan Hollins (MEM)
Wesley Johnson (LAC)
DeAndre Jordan (LAC) - Rings or no rings, Mama Hooper is a good signer
Zach LaVine (MIN) - runs hot or cold, he's good when he's good, bad when he's not
Meyers Leonard (POR) - he will sign but is strictly 1per and may personalize
Damian Lillard (POR)
Kevin Martin (SAS)
Wesley Matthews (DAL) - 1per
Doug McDermott (CHI) - 1per, takes mental notes and will reject if you got him at the hotel and try again at the game
JaVale McGee (DAL) - up to 2per
Salah Mejri (DAL) - kind of quiet but will sign and makes sure he gets to everyone before he leaves
Patty Mills (SAS)
E'Twuan Moore (CHI) - looked like he would probably rack if more people knew who he was or had things for him to sign
Anthony Morrow (OKC) - has signed 1 for me every time I've seen him (5x)
Donatas Motiejunas (HOU) - signs in black only
Shabazz Muhammad (MIN) - might skip around but gets to most fans; seemed like he was in a hurry
Gary Neal (WAS)
Steve Novak (OKC) - would probably rack if he could just get off the court in time
Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) - he's a good signer but due to the demand, he can't get to everyone; takes the first marker and runs with it
Victor Oladipo (ORL) - nice guy, too bad signature is nothing more than VO5
Zaza Pachulia (DAL) - up to 2per
Tony Parker (SAS) - mixed reports, might sign if in a good mood, will NOT sign white sheets!
Chandler Parsons (DAL) - 1per
Chris Paul (LAC) - there was a small crowd but it looked like he signed for most people but didn't double back; sometimes signs for kids only; personalization gives a better signature
Cameron Payne (OKC) - signs nicer on items that aren't programs
Elfrid Payton (ORL) - seemed like he would sign 1 for everyone but stopped all of a sudden in the middle of the queue, offering nothing more than "I gotta go"
Dwight Powell (DAL) - nice guy, he probably would have signed and given me a selfie but I got each on separate occasions
Tayshaun Prince (MIN)
Austin Rivers (LAC) - doesn't seem to mind signing although he can be picky about items; he skipped my photo but signed tickets and programs for others
Andre Roberson (OKC) - I've never seen him turn anyone down, he esp. loves signing for kids
Ricky Rubio (MIN)
Ramon Sessions (WAS) - signs at least 1 for everyone
Kyle Singler (OKC) - sloppy signature but consistently good about signing
Greg Smith (MIN) - I didn't get him because I didn't know who he was, but he seemed like he was in a hurry to get back to the locker
Jason Terry (HOU) - up to 2per
Charlie Villanueva (DAL) - he skipped me the first time but gave me a very nice signature the next time I saw him
Nikola Vucevic (ORL) - might do multiples, I had him sign 1 for me and got a selfie at the same time
John Wall (WAS) - signs 1per, has personal security/handler who may be helpful in making sure you don't get skipped, just make sure you're not in a crowd full of jerks that don't obey his rules
C.J. Watson (ORL) - signed at least 1 for everyone but signature is not great ("CWt")
David West (SAS) - mixed reports on habits; looked like he would have skipped me if the kid next to me would have had a marker
| MAY NOT SIGN/YOU MIGHT NOT GET
Kyle Anderson (SAS) - if you don't have your stuff out and ready to go, he'll take off
D. J. Augustin (OKC) - skips around, 1per if you're lucky but more than willing to take extra time for someone camera-fumbling?
J.J. Barea (DAL) - seemed moody when I met him; skipped me at game 1 and signed for me at game 2
Matt Barnes (MEM) - skips around
Andrew Bogut (GSW) - doesn't like dealers and will call you out. Skipped everyone after shootaround
Kobe Bryant (LAL) - Reportedly signs a quick "KB" for fans, and "Kobe" for fans that stand out. He avoids crowds like the plague though
Jimmy Butler (CHI) - selective about who/what he signs, reportedly only signs in black only but I saw him use a gold one on someone's jersey so who knows
Sam Cassell (LAC) - strictly 1per and will call you out; may sign for a few fans but skips most
Jordan Clarkson (LAL) - reportedly a "gimme" on the Lakers, but he didn't sign for anyone when I saw him. Also didn't help that it was Kobe's last game in town
Anthony Davis (NO) - his signature is nothing more than "AD", has personal security, reportedly signs in black only
Kevin Garnett (MIN) - reportedly signed his rookie season but nothing since then
Taj Gibson (CHI) - he snuck off to the home team's tunnel to avoid signing for the fans waiting for him
Draymond Green (GSW) - no blue Sharpies! black or silver ok
James Harden (HOU) - ignores at the hotel; reportedly signs in black only and will skip kids holding other colors!
Maurice Harkless (POR) - ran off to the locker room really fast saying he didn't have time (not sure what he had going on but there was definitely time)
Gerald Henderson (POR)
Roy Hibbert (LAL) - signed for a guy in a wheelchair and ignored everyone else
Kirk Hinrich (CHI) - had plenty of time to stop and sign but ran back to the lockers instead
Kyrie Irving (CLE)
LeBron James (CLE) - never. I have heard stories of him refusing to sign for kids and even moved a physically-challenged person in a wheelchair out of his way. When he does sign, it's things that have little to no value. Also doesn't do selfies
Richard Jefferson (CLE)
Chris Kaman (POR) - reported that he isn't signing autographs anymore, not sure why, maybe he should double check the name on the back of his jersey; signed for kids only and skipped the rest of us
Kevin Love (CLE) - was up to 2per when he was with Minnesota, but playing with LeBron may have soured him
Andre Miller (SAS) - not sure if he would have pulled a Novak but came out late and we got kicked out of the section
Timofey Mozgov (CLE)
Joakim Noah (CHI)
Mason Plumlee (POR) - high-fives only; he told us he would sign after the game but I didn't stick around to find out
Zach Randolph (MEM) - skips around
Rajon Rondo (SAC) - signs for kids only
Derrick Rose (CHI) - skips around but won't sign if he thinks you're a dealer
D'Angelo Russell (LAL) - ignored everyone. Of course this was fresh off his "cell phone incident" and it was Kobe's last game in town, but I suspect he would have done the same regardless
Adam Silver - when you're in charge of the league, there's not a whole lot of time to sign autographs
J.R. Smith (CLE)
Klay Thompson (GSW) - hit or miss
Tristan Thompson (CLE)
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) - signs for kids only
Russell Westbrook (OKC) - reportedly doesn't like to sign. As many games as I've gone to, I've never seen him come out to sign
Andrew Wiggins (MIN) - reportedly signs for kids only; he snuck off down a different tunnel to avoid signing (wasn't much of a crowd either)
Lou Williams (LAL) - See Jordan Clarkson. |
2015-16 NBA Team Autograph Rankings
Best Signing Teams (B- to A+)
Dallas Mavericks
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
OKC Thunder
Orlando Magic OK Signing Teams (C- to C+)
Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs
Washington Wizards Bad Signing Teams (D- to D+)
Chicago Bulls Beyond Bad Signing Teams (F and below)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Lakers An informed, good-mannered, and well-prepared autographer reflects highly on us as a community and makes players more likely to sign. And at the end of the day, isn't that what we all want? I hope you found this guide helpful. Now that you are no longer a n00b, please share this blog with your friends! Until next time,
J.R.
11 Comments | Welcome! If you've ever wanted to know the ins-and-outs of In-Person (IP) graphing, or if you've ever wanted to know what goes through a grapher's head, this is the place to be! -J.R. WARNING: Candid opinions and thoughts will appear in entries. May be NSFW/small children/sensitive adults. Proceed at your own risk.
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Andrei Vorontsevich and Jonas Zherebko will hold an autograph session before the All-Star Game
VTB United League
Andrei Vorontsevich of CSKA and Jonas Zherebko of Khimki will take part in an autograph session before the All-Star Game.
The event will take place on February 16 in the lobby of the VTB Arena between sectors A102 and B110, from 15:30 to 16:00. Hurry up to get a card autographed by the star!
Fans will also find other entertainment in the arena hall:
— Innovative and themed photo zones
- All-Star merchandise outlets
— Drawing of money certificates from Hoff
- Point of sale yandex station
— Drawing of sneakers from PEAK
— Throws into the ring with prizes from VTB Capital Investments
Recall that entry to the VTB Arena will be possible from 15:00. To the arena bowl - from 16:00.
Passage scheme:
Source https://www.vtb-league.com/ru/news/andrej-vorontsevich-i-...
News tags
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Press news
Basketball Euroleague: the failure of Zenit, the nuance of CSKA, the transformation of Khimki Avtodor comes out of a steep dive with a performance record Nizhny interrupted Loko's 8-win super series and returned to the playoff zone Devin Booker and Mike James in the Top 10 Moments of the 26th round of the Euroleague VTB United Youth League Final Eight to be held in Saratov Nikola Mirotic: "You can play for Real Madrid and Barcelona and sleep well" Alexey Shved - MVP of the 26th round of the Euroleague Khimki defeated ASVEL Khimki defeated the French ASVEL in the Euroleague basketball match Khimki gave a hundred points ahead .
..
Latest club news
Happy birthday, Igor Vitalievich! Alexei Matyunin passed away GAME DAY. Khimki - Barnaul 19:00 Happy birthday, Oleg Vladimirovich! Khimki is ready to start the season in the Superleague Happy birthday, Sergey Nikolaevich! Friendly match.
Khimki - University-Ugra - 102-78 Friendly match. Khimki - University-Ugra - 74-81 BC Khimki held a seminar for children's coaches
Last match Russian championship. Superleague-1 Dynamo
88: BK Khimki
84
guide to the hottest match of the season! - PBK Lokomotiv-Kuban - the official website of the professional basketball club
Concert and autograph session by the author and performer of the Loko anthem, a large number of the coolest activities, prizes and gifts from the club - in this text we will tell about everything that we have prepared for our fans at the arena.
When to come to Basket Hall?
Basket Hall doors will be open from 12:00. Yes, the start time of the match is written on your ticket, but please note that at 13:00 the hot warm-up of the upcoming game will begin! Well-known rap musician, author and performer of the anthem "Loco" Nigativ will charge "Basket Hall" for victory.
Sing the anthem of your favorite team - "+1000 bonuses" to the karma of every Loko fan! So we make notes on the calendar, enter the time “13:00” into the glider and meet in the arena on May 10 without delay!
Why is it better to arrive early for a match?
We have already talked about the concert of the author and performer of the Loko anthem, and now about what else awaits you before the start of the game:
- There will be two children's zones (one on each of the arena tiers). You can safely leave your child under the supervision of professional animators and enjoy watching your favorite game.
- Game zones on the first and second tiers: PlayStation, Dendy and Sega retro consoles, table basketball and football zone, air hockey, Lokomashina - everyone will find something to compete with friends before the match.
- Beauty with face painting - here they will help you turn into a seasoned Loko fan!
- Poster area. Here you can draw a poster in support of Lokomotiv-Kuban or your favorite player. Whatman paper and paint at your disposal!
- A photo exhibition is open on the second floor. Be sure to drop by here and plunge into the atmosphere of the ten seasons of Loko in Krasnodar, getting acquainted with the most memorable matches through the lens of our coolest club photographer Fedor Obmaykin.
And don't miss the Catch the Ball! Any fan who purchases a program for the match can become its participant. And the winner will receive a ball autographed by the whole team.
At the end of the match in the arena hall there will be an autograph session of the special guest of our match, the author and performer of the anthem “Loko is calling!” - Negative.
Where to buy tickets?
Tickets for the match "Loko" - CSKA can be purchased on the club's official website, at the link: lokobasket.com/tickets . If you haven't done it yet, be sure to hurry, there are almost no tickets left! If you are still unable to attend the match in Krasnodar, you can watch the game live on lokobasket.com, MATCH TV and TV START, as well as on the VTB United League website.
Where to buy club merchandise?
Official merchandise sales points are open on the day of the match. There will be 4 such points at once in this match! You can look after what you like and place an order without a queue right now on the website - shop.lokobasket.com And you can pick up the order itself already at the match.
Will there be a support group?
Well, how could it be without her!
The best cheerleading group of VTB United League Loks Dancers arranges incendiary dances on the floor! New numbers, bright costumes, a sea of emotions, beauty and energy!
And Zubastik?
The star player of the matches is the magnificent Zubbi, who can be next to you in the arena at any second.
You definitely won't get bored with it!
Need a mask?
Definitely! Without this personal protective equipment, it will not be possible to enter the arena. We kindly ask you to comply with all rules for visiting mat whose passing on the territory of the "Basket Hall".
How to get to the arena?
If you like sports or live relatively close, you can walk. If you are traveling by private transport, a taxi or your relatives/neighbors/acquaintances/friends/passers-by will give you a lift, then no special explanations are required here either.
However, we recommend leaving early: there is a possibility that you will stand in a traffic jam for some time on the segment from Red Square to Basket Hall.
Public transport
The arena can be reached by buses on the following routes:
No. Prigorodnaya (settlement Severny).
No. 29A - TsKR (Kalinina st.) - st. Average
No.
32 - Anniversary MKR - st. 3rd Labor
No. 38 - Anniversary MKR - st. Ekaterinodarskaya
No. 67 - Cooperative market - st. 9th Quiet
No. 106A - Cooperative market - pos. SKZNIISIV (Vodnikov)
No. 163A - Polyclinic (Atarbekov St.) - 16 km of Rostov Highway
No. 182A - TsKR (Kalinina St.) - pos. SKZNIISIV (Vodnikov)
Stop: "Basket Hall"
Where can I leave my backpack/bag?
There are left-luggage offices at the box office of Basket Hall, so you don't have to worry about the safety of your personal belongings and don't waste time on screening. Feel free to leave your backpack in the storage room, take the essentials with you and go to the match!
Lost/lost things/want to know everything. Who to ask?
On the day of the match, Basket Hall employs well-trained and polite stewards who will either help you resolve your issue or tell you exactly who to contact and who can help in this situation. In front of the arena you can meet volunteers - they will also help.
