Harlem Globetrotters At Van Andel Arena – A 4-Year-Old Boy Reviews

The Harlem Globetrotters were at Van Andel Arena on Sunday, January 27.

Globetrotters games aren't so much about the score as they are about entertainment and fun.  There was a lot of both at Van Andel Arena...just ask my 4-year-old boy.

Of course, some people would disagree with me on the importance of the score at a Harlem Globetrotters game.  The Michigan State Men's Basketball team comes to mind.

On November 13, 2000, MSU basketball ended the Harlem Globetrotters 1,270 game winning streak by a score of 72-68.  MSU Coach Tom Izzo was "totally disappointed" in the Spartans lack of effort.

But Tom Izzo isn't the only one interested in the score.  On Sunday, my 4-year-old was too.  He would occasionally grow tired of the Globetrotters mid-game shenanigans and ask, "When are they going to play basketball again?"

I can understand how the humor of the classic purse-stealing routine can be lost on a young boy, but there was plenty of entertainment for all.

We sat mid-court on the second level, perfect spot for a Globetrotters game, a safe distance from both water throwing and purse stealing.  My 4-year-old explains some memorable moments:

• "I like when they spin the ball on their finger and head."
• "I like when they tackled each other."
• "They do silly things and everybody laughs."
• "It was crazy when they kicked the ball to each other!"
• "It's cool when they bounce the ball between their legs."
• He summed up the whole day very well: "Those are some funny basketball players!"

Other notable moments for kids and adults include:

• Secretly replacing the basketball with a look-a-like ball...which turns out to be a balloon/beach ball filled with helium.
• The special quarter rules.  Each quarter featured a special rule voted on by fans.  1st quarter = four special 4-point-shot circles located 12 feet behind the NBA 3-point line.  2nd quarter = all baskets worth double points.  3rd + 4th quarter = play with two balls for first two minutes of quarter.
• The most rousing rendition of "YMCA" I've seen in a long time.
• A big day for politeness.  I've never heard a bigger ovation for an official during pregame introductions.  The Globetrotters weren't so polite, later suggesting that the official should go back to FootLocker.
• Altogether, a whole lot of fun!

The Globetrotters trailed by 22 with three minutes left in the first half, but it all turned out OK.  The Globetrotters won, 106-98.  It matters to some people.