First Impressions
January 28th at Pacific Coliseum felt like a warm hug from your childhood, because the Harlem Globetrotters were back in Vancouver. One part basketball, one part comedy, and a whole lot of family fun. This is a team whose name alone sparks memories. Say “Harlem Globetrotters” out loud and someone nearby will almost always hit you with “oh man, I went to that as a kid.” That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident. Dating all the way back to the 1920s, the Globetrotters have become their own league, their own brand of entertainment, and now they’re celebrating 100 years on the road. Vancouver was lucky enough to be part of that celebration, and as someone who grew up seeing them nearly every year, I can say without hesitation they’ve still got it.
What Stood Out
The night played out in classic fashion, with the Harlem Globetrotters squaring off against their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals. It was a game that was proudly “non serious” from tip-off. This was heroes versus villains in its purest form. Complete with dramatic moments, near misses, and a finish that came down to the final second. Longtime fans already knew how this story usually ends, but the fun is always in the journey. The court was filled with fake fouls, overblown referee arguments, crowd encouraged boos, and nonstop fan interaction. One Globetrotter used a young fan as a human water shield. Another grabbed shoes from the crowd and launched them like dodgeballs. These moments were ridiculous in the best possible way. Which made everyone in the building feel like part of the show.
Still, beneath all the laughs, the Harlem Globetrotters In Vancouver never let you forget they are elite basketball players. The dunking was explosive, the handles were sharp, and the trick shots landed with jaw dropping precision. Every player looked locked in and confident, even while clowning around. The Washington Generals leaned fully into their role as the heels of the night. Delivering exaggerated fouls, arguing with refs, and firing up the crowd at every opportunity. You couldn’t help but boo, laugh, and play along.
One of the biggest highlights came during an “instant replay” that turned into pure theater. After disputing a call, a Globetrotter demanded a replay, but instead of watching a screen, everyone on the court physically rewound the play. Players, referees, everyone moving backwards as the crowd clapped and laughed along. To top it off, one Globetrotter rocked Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller jacket and busted out MJ dance moves while the replay continued in slow motion. It escalated even further when a fan was called out for not walking in slow motion, only to freeze, reset, and dramatically slow it down to the crowd’s delight.
How it Finished
The energy never dipped, right up until the final buzzer. With both teams neck and neck after a series of comedic fake outs and playful chaos. As expected, the Globetrotters came out on top, but the night didn’t end there. Players stuck around long after the game to sign autographs, take photos, and genuinely connect with fans. It was a perfect reminder of why this team has thrived for over a century. The Harlem Globetrotters in Vancouver was the definition of all ages entertainment. Kids were laughing nonstop, adults were smiling ear to ear, and everyone left feeling like they’d just shared something special. The showmanship is outrageous, the talent is real, and the joy is impossible to miss. If you’ve never seen the Harlem Globetrotters live, you need to fix that. And if your last memory of them is from when you were a kid, trust me, it’s time for a return visit.
Thank You
I’d like to thank the Harlem Globetrotters In Vancouver for having me out to experience the night. The 100 year tour is still going strong so if you’d like to find tickets or learn their history, please visit here: Harlem Globetrotters Website
