For the first time, the Denver Nuggets will host a night for Catholic families and youths to participate in pre-game activities and access discounted tickets for the Dec. 14 game against the San Antonio Spurs—last season’s NBA champions.
“I want them to come and have a real fun night as a family,” said Bill Hanzlik, a retired Nuggets basketball player and coach, and parishioner at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial.
Now a pre- and post-game show host for the Nuggets, Hanzlik helped organize the group night for the Catholic community during which he’ll interview special guest Archbishop Samuel Aquila. The archbishop will attend the game and be interviewed by Hanzlik for a show appearing on the Altitude Sports channel, he said.
“The archbishop has been very supportive of this,” Hanzlik said.
A host of perks come with the group night at the Nuggets. Youths will be selected from area Catholic schools to participate in a basketball clinic on the Nuggets’ court, join in a pre-game high-five fan tunnel or flag presentation.
Tickets will be available at discounted rates for families, who also have the option to purchase a ticket for a Catholic school teacher.
Hanzlik said he worked with Jeff Stemper, founder of the St. Sebastian Project Denver, to arrange for a portion of ticket proceeds to benefit the project that supports inner-city Catholic school’s athletic programs. Mark Strawbridge, director of Catholic Schools Activities League and principal at St. Pius X School, also helped organize the group night.
“It’s going to be a real fun night,” Hanzlik said.
Catholic Families Night with the Denver Nuggets
Catholic families and youths are invited to attend the Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs game.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
Special guest: Archbishop Samuel Aquila
Pre-game events: fan tunnel, flag presentation and game for youths
Tickets: $15 upper level, $45 for lower level
Purchase: www.nuggetstix.com/catholicfamilies
Details: Call 303-405-7635 or email lmarchbanks@pepsicenter.com