Don’t miss the Harlem Globetrotters all-new Fan Powered World tour, headed your way next Friday, Feb. 1! Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game is more than just basketball – they are the ultimate in family entertainment that will bring smiles and fan interaction to people of all ages. “El Gato” Melendez of the Harlem Globetrotters was in Austin this week ahead of the tour to visit Austin area children.

“El Gato” visited St. David’s Children’s Hospital to bring smiles and lift the spirits of patients and their families. The visit was a part of Smile Patrol™, an outreach program designed by the Harlem Globetrotters to spread joy and create lifetime memories for these very special fans. Melendez showed off his signature Globetrotter ball-handling skills and tricks, signed autographs and shared laughs with everyone in attendance.

“El Gato” also visited Lagos Elementary School to speak to children about the team’s “T.E.A.M. UP AT SCHOOL” program, which was designed in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV) in order to provide students with bullying solutions through the acronym T.E.A.M. that stands for Talk, Empathize, Ask and Mobilize.

The last stop of the day was at the Texas Women’s Basketball game vs Kansas. Melendez taught some kids a new trick and then let the kids show off their dunking abilities.

Check out “El Gato’s” signature “selfie shot.”

Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters Fan Powered World Tour are still available at TexasBoxOffice.com. A limited number of suites are also available. To reserve yours, call 512-471-8538 or email suites@erwin.utexas.edu.