The courts include a life-sized pair of Shaq shoes and a LED lighted basketball
Well NBA fans, Shaquille O’Neal is helping the NBA and youth metropolitan kids once again. This time, in Las Vegas’( Sin City). That’s right, the Hall of Fame NBA player turned sports analyst on TNT, made a generous donation that may develop Las Vegas into a basketball town.
On October 24, 2021, Basketball legend and resident Shaquille (Shaq) O’Neal along with his partner Icy Hot, made a generous donation of $200,000 to the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE. It promotes businesses that enhance the quality of life for all Las Vegas residents with a concentration on strengthening the community.
Two renovated basketball courts were unveiled at a ceremony headlined by O’Neal on the weekend of Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24. The ceremony occurred at the DooLittle Complex. Joining them were Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, city of Las Vegas and Cedric Crear, Las Vegas City Councilman, Ward 5.
Because of the donation made by the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and the name of the Complex, we can introduce to you, The Shaq Courts at Doolittle. Part of the $200,000 renovation included vast improvements to the courts such as new surfacing, custom colors, and floor graphics along with new basketball standards and a state-of-the-art Daktronics LED scoreboard.
As part of the project, the courts included two unique art features such as a life-sized pair of Shaq shoes and a LED lighted basketball which measures at six feet tall. This new experience will make important visuals for community enjoyment as well as bring fun for the enjoyment of the community.
“It’s very rewarding to me on a personal level, as I have lived in Las Vegas and know firsthand the tough times that these areas have gone through in the past,” said O’Neal. “We’re excited to create change in a positive way through the ‘Comebaq Courts’ initiative. Working with Icy Hot, my Foundation strives to create healthy places to play to support the next generation of athletes. It is our hope this community can come together to use this space for years to come.”
“As its name suggests, the Historic Westside is one of the most historically important regions of our city with the Doolittle Complex at its core as a primary gathering place,” said Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, city of Las Vegas. “We are so grateful to The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and Icy Hot for their support of this culturally rich and diverse area. With these improvements, the already popular Doolittle basketball courts are about to become even more in-demand.”
“On behalf of the residents of Ward 5, I want to express my sincere gratitude to The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and its partner, ICY Hot, for their generous donation,” said Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear, Ward 5. “The improvements to the Doolittle basketball courts are huge difference-makers that also help to build a sense of community pride. I am looking forward to seeing our kids experience the new courts first-hand. Shooting hoops at Doolittle is about to take on a whole new meaning!”
After the festivities, the community gathered and enjoyed a 3 on 3 basketball tournament brought together by the Parks and Recreation Department. It was sponsored by a grant to The Mayor’s Fund from the Howard Hughes Corporation.
The Doolittle Complex is located at 951 W Lake Mead Blvd.
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