Spalding and NBA Guard Mario Chalmers to Bring Professional Arena to One Fan's Driveway

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spalding, a division of Russell Brands, LLC, and the world's largest basketball equipment supplier, today announced the Spalding "Arena to Driveway" contest, which aims to find the NBA fan who most deserves to play on professional basketball equipment. Now through June 26, fans can upload a picture of their home or neighborhood court to the Spalding Basketball Facebook Page for a chance to win a professional arena style backboard system, NBA leather game basketballs, an NBA authentic ball truck and other Spalding gear. To test the new set-up, NBA point guard Mario Chalmers will visit the winner's new 'arena' for a one-on-one game.

"Fans get to see the best athletes in the world performing on Spalding equipment every game during the NBA season," said Gary Barfield, executive vice president, Russell Brands, LLC, the parent company of Spalding. "We couldn't be happier that we are able to bring an NBA arena experience to someone's driveway and have Mario help christen the court."

Fans can enter the contest by uploading a photo to the Spalding Basketball Facebook Page, "Arena to Driveway" tab, with a brief explanation of why their court or space needs an upgrade. Representatives from Spalding will select one Grand Prize winner on June 28, before the NBA Draft. Five semi-finalists will receive an official size NBA leather game basketball and Spalding accessories.

"Playing in college and now in the NBA, I've been fortunate enough to compete in professional arenas on the best Spalding equipment in the world," said Mario Chalmers. "Just like most basketball fans, I started out hitting shots in driveways and neighborhood parks, and that's why I'm excited to play a fan one-on-one on their new Spalding system."

Mario Chalmers has emerged as a floor leader for the Miami Heat, averaging 10.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during the 2011-12 Playoffs.  He entered the league in 2008 as the 34th overall pick following a standout career at the University of Kansas where he led the Jayhawks to an NCAA Championship and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Spalding has been the official ball of the NBA since 1983 and on-court backboard system since 2008.  Fans can join the conversation by visiting Spalding Basketball. 

About Spalding

A Division of Russell Brands, LLC, Spalding is the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world, and America's first baseball company. Spalding is the official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official baseball of the Little League World Series, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of Pop Warner. In addition to being the leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls, Spalding produces softballs under the Dudley brand. The SPALDING® and DUDLEY® trademarks are owned by Russell Brands, LLC. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.

SOURCE Spalding