Germany will finally get to welcome back their NBA champion son as Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki will be returning to his native Germany on Tuesday – with a huge party planned for his home city Würzburg, including a palatial welcome.
“We are absolutely proud to welcome Dirk Nowitzki in his birth city. We will do everything we can to make it a successful and unforgettable day for everyone,” Würzburg Mayor Georg Rosenthal said to the Würzburg newspaper Main-Post.
Rosenthal will welcome Nowitzki, who will enter his name into the city’s Golden Book and be celebrated in the evening around 5 p.m. by an expected crowd of up to 15,000 around the Würzburg Residence palace.
“What Dirk Nowitzki has accomplished is certainly the greatest and worldwide most recognized success ever achieved by a Würzburg athlete. We are looking forward to a great day in Würzburg and a worthy welcome,” continued Rosenthal.
Nowitzki will in the afternoon hold a press conference at the s. Oliver Arena, where the Würzburg basketball club plays their games – next season back in the first division BBL after promotion from the second division ProA.
The Main Post – in collaboration with the German national team’s main sponsor ING DiBa – is giving away 700 tickets to fans for admittance into the press conference.
“We are all looking forward to this day and are anxious what Dirk can expect on Tuesday in Würzburg,” said Nowitzki’s sister and manager Silke Nowitzki.
Here is a breakdown of Nowitzki’s welcome:
11 a.m. Entrance for visitors to the press conference at the s. Oliver Arena. In addition to media, some 2,650 guests will be on hand. And all those without tickets can follow the press conference live on the German sports channel Sport1.
12 p.m. Start of fan event in the s. Oliver Arena with competitions, DJ and moderation.
12:45 p.m. Start of Dirk Nowitzki press conference
3:30 p.m. Welcome for Nowitzki at the Würzburg City Hall with Mayor Georg Rosenthal. Signing of the Golden Book. This event is also solely for invited guests and media members.
4:30 p.m. Nowitzki will make his way through the streets of downtown Würzburg accompanied by cheer leaders, mascots and fans towards the Residence palace where he is expected at around 5 p.m. Entrance is free of charge.
2 Comments
awesome coverage of the German perspective on Dirk mate. I’m checking your website regularly to read all about it, so please do continue! Looking forward to some extensive coverage of the welcome home party! :)