For the first time since 2012, the Harlem Globetrotters are entertaining troops on military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bahrain.

Their tour of the Middle East, made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, consists of 10 shows in 14 days from Oct. 1-15.

They’re bringing the usual — ball-spinning, behind-the-back-passing, confetti-throwing — antics, but there’s another twist to their shows. Globetrotting showman Hammer Harrison is wearing combat boots in a portion of the games as a tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

 

 

Aside from hooping with some heavier legs, Harrison is thrilled to be joining the likes of Bulldog Mack, Torch George, Cheese Chisholm, Thunder Law and Jet Rivers to provide a little relief to those who are grinding each and every day while serving our country.

“We love getting the opportunity to entertain the men and women of our Armed Forces,” said Globetrotters star Hammer Harrison. “Any chance to bring them a taste of home, and hopefully some great entertainment, is an honor for us, and we’ll do whatever we can to bring smiles to their faces.”

Globetrotting showman Hammer Harrison. Photo c/o Coyne PR

This is the 76th straight year the Globetrotters have toured U.S. military bases overseas. Highlights of previous military tours include the Globetrotters’ first-ever visit to Afghanistan in November 2012, tours of Iraq in 2009 and 2006, a visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2005 – and games on four active-duty U.S. aircraft carriers, including a performance on the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in 2006.

In just the past 15 years alone, the Globetrotters have visited more than 50 U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Cuba, Djibouti, Germany, Greece, Guam, Italy, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

It’s no wonder they’re proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Globetrotters will kick off their “Fan Powered” World Tour on November 1, playing in more than 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide.

Interested in attending a game? Tickets are available at harlemglobetrotters.com.