The future King of England and the Duchess of Cambridge will watch King James and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Brooklyn Nets.
In a report by Fox Sports, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be visiting the United States for three days, from December 7 to 9, 2014. Included in their itinerary is watching the Cavs and Nets play at the Barclays Center in New York on December 8. Aside from New York City, the royal couple, who is expecting their second child on April 2015, will also be visiting Washington D.C. It is not yet confirmed whether their first-born, George, will be with them.
According to Cleveland.com, Clarence House in London issued a news release on PrinceofWales.gov, stating, "On Monday evening, Their Royal Highnesses will attend an NBA basketball game to help launch a new collaboration between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA."
NY Daily News adds that Kate Middleton also has a number of things to do while in New York. She will be meeting with First Lady Chirlane McCray and the two will visit a child development facility on December 8. The royal couple will also visit the September 11 Memorial in Manhattan. The Nets did not comment when asked why the royal couple preferred to watch the Nets over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
In the same NY Daily News report, Eric Adams, Borough President, was excited about the thought of Prince William witnessing a basketball game, "How befitting for the future King of England to travel to Kings County!" he added, "We look forward to welcoming Prince William and Duchess Kate as they enjoy our Brooklyn Nets 'dethroning' King James and the Cavaliers."
Fans of the Nets and residents of Brooklyn have already shared their excitement over the royal visit. Debra Bock-Woo, a Brooklyn resident, said in the NY Daily News report, "So it's nice that he's coming to Brooklyn. I hope they enjoy themselves. It might be their first basketball game."
A Barclays worker, Collis Matthews, said, "That's so cool," he said Friday. "That's going to bring a lot of attention here. It's good for them to come have a little fun. A lot of people are going to want to see 'em."Security is going to be crazy. It's exciting, though."
It will be the first official visit of William and Kate since they spent time in California in 2011. It will also be their first trip to New York.