Clippers coming back to Hawaii to train, play

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JAMM AQUINO / 2017

The Los Angeles Clippers stand with arms locked during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start of a pre-season NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors at the Stan Sheriff Center.

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The Los Angeles Clippers will return to Honolulu this year for a second consecutive training camp, fan fest, autograph sessions and at least one exhibition game, the team and the sponsoring Hawaii Tourism Authority confirmed.

The deal includes an option for 2019 as well.

An announcement is expected to be made tonight at the Clippers’ home arena, the Staples Center, amid “Hawaii Night” festivities surrounding the Clippers-Magic game.

The Clippers held their inaugural camp and exhibition during a 10-day stay here last September at the Stan Sheriff Center and will return there. The choice of opponent and dates are still being finalized, team and HTA officials said.

“The whole Clippers organization, from our players to our staff and our fans, really enjoyed our time in Hawaii last preseason and we look forward to returning again next year,” Gillian Zucker, Clippers President of Business Operations, said in a statement.

For the HTA, “What is really great about this partnership is the marketing in our No. 1 market (southern California),” said Leslie Dance, HTA Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.

Under terms of the contract, the HTA expects to spend about $720,000, which includes signage at all Clippers’ home games and media advertising spots as well as tonight’s presentation.

Six-time Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho is scheduled to perform the national anthem and will be joined by the Halau Hula Kealii o Nalani. Also entertaining will be the Kekaiulu Hula Studio, Haloa Band and ukulele artist Taimane Gardner. The first 11,000 fans are to receive either flower lei or a Clippers aloha hat. Baseline fans will get foam shaka hands.

“To say our experience in Hawaii last year was memorable would be an understatement, ” Zucker said. “We have a belief at the Clippers, which I shared when we visited R.L. Stevenson Middle School, that revolves around leaving each place we visit better than when we arrived. I hope the Clippers did that for Hawaii, as I know that Hawaii did that for us. We were immersed in the Hawaiian culture and embraced by a community of amazing, warm people that allowed our players to leave feeling uniquely connected. We can’t think of a better place to launch our season and look forward to our return in the fall.”