Vegas puts on show for All-Star pregame

02/18/2007 9:21 PM, AP


Viva pregame shows.

The introduction to Sunday's NBA All-Star game had every bit of the distinct, outsized Las Vegas flair you might expect, from the flashing lights and brightly plumed showgirls to the appearances by many of Sin City's most famous entertainers.

The crowd was welcomed by magicians Siegfried and Roy — with Roy Horn making a rare public appearance since being bitten by one of his white tigers in October 2003. They introduced famed Vegas crooner Wayne Newton, who belted out "Viva Las Vegas" amid sparks, neon and showgirls.

After the Eastern Conference team was introduced, Newton played guitar and fiddle during a rendition of James Brown's "I Feel Good" under a strobe light, followed by his signature "Danke Schoen."

After the West All-Stars took their somewhat abashed bows, Newton returned with his showgirls for the finale. Shaquille O'Neal appeared to be the biggest fan in the building, clapping wildly and pumping his fist in Newton's direction.

The Thomas & Mack Center also was appropriately packed with stars who provided a one-game return of Gucci Row — the nickname for the courtside seats when they were filled with Las Vegas' richest and most glamorous people during coach Jerry Tarkanian's run of standout UNLV teams.

A small sampling of the celebrities at courtside: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver sitting near Diddy; Jay-Z, who idly dribbled the game ball during the first timeout, and Beyonce; Eva Longoria, fiancee of West All-Star Tony Parker; Ludacris, Prince and Dave Chappelle sitting in a row; and Steve Carell, Harold Ramis and Jeremy Piven just a few seats down.

Barry Bonds, who reports to the San Francisco Giants' spring training complex Monday, sat in the same row as the four casino-owning Maloof brothers behind broadcast row near center court. Other celebrities were scattered throughout the crowd, along with dozens of NFL players.