Boston Celtics All-Star guard Ray Allen took on five fans today in a game of knock-out at Dunkin' Donuts in Waltham.
The fans were selected for being "caught cold" with Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee as part of a new promotion the coffee franchise has started with the Celtics. For more photos, go here.
All five contestants received free tickets to tomorrow's opening game against the Miami Heat. They will also all have the chance to be in a commercial with Allen for the promotion.
Click to see photo gallery and video
"Playing shoot-out is always fun," said Allen. "It's like going back to your childhood. It's a great way to stay in shape."
Mike Gesualdi, 30, of Lowell, Donald Hill, 45, of Delaware, Kendra Bannister, 20, of Virginia, Anthony Barnardo, 25, of Dracut, and Diana Cincotta, 21, of Plymouth, all signed up for the contest at the Dunkin Donuts on Lexington Street in Waltham.
The competition started off light, said Allen. He didn't play his full game at first to give everyone a chance. He realized he had to step it up, however, when Bannister, a junior guard for Newbury College, and Cincotta, a junior guard for Brandeis University, showed off their skills.
The two college athletes were the remaining contestants, until Bannister finally knocked out Cincotta. She only lost to Allen.
"He knocked a lot of people out for me; he did most of the work," said Bannister. "I didn't get nervous until it was just me and him. Then he tapped me on the shoulder, and I just chucked it up there and lost."
Dunkin' Donuts said its new promotion, which corresponds with their renewed sponsorship for the team this season, gives away tickets to people across the state “caught cold” drinking iced coffee near Dunkin’ Donuts locations or in other public places every Thursday this season. The contest was the kick-off event.
“Both the Celtics and Dunkin’ Donuts are local icons in Boston,” said Tom Manchester, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “We’re trying to give our customers access to see the Celtics.”
Allen said with the current economy, the Celtics want to do everything they can to get people to their games.
"It's awesome," said Allen. "I’d be out here if I was 12 or 13 years old, trying to get tickets any way I can.”
After the game, Allen talked about the importance of winning every game this season.
“Roles start as the season takes shape,” said Allen. “We have to make sure we set a precedent.”
He also said Shaquille O'Neal, who joined the team this season, is "like a big kid."
"You've got to be on your toes with him," Allen said.
No comments:
Post a Comment