Los Angeles: On Sunday, February 15, 2004, the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Preceding the game, there will be a weeklong celebration from February 11, 2004, through February 14, 2004. The celebration will include daily "Jam Sessions" at the Los Angeles Convention Center that will attract thousands of visitors.

The events at the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center will have a tremendous impact on traffic. To facilitate traffic movement during the events, temporary no stopping and tow away zones have been designated at various locations, which will be strictly enforced. In addition, there will be numerous NBA sanctioned events and private parties, which will impact traffic movement in the Hollywood area.

Beginning on Friday, February 13, 2004, at 7:00 a.m., through Monday, February 16, 2004, at 6:00 a.m., street closures for the area around the Staples Center are as follows:

• 11^th Street between Figueroa Street and Cherry Street
• Georgia Street between Olympic Boulevard and 11^th Street
• 11^th Street between Flower Street and Figueroa Street
• Figueroa Street between Olympic Boulevard and Pico Boulevard

Beginning on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., street closure in Hollywood area is as follows:

• Ivar Street between Sunset Boulevard and Delongpre Avenue

Any questions or further information regarding this news release, contact Officer Grace Brady, NBA All Star Planning Task Force, at 213-485-7088.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.