Tokyo Apache vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings 東京アパッチ vs 琉球ゴールデンキングス
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Ariake Coliseum (Colosseum) in Koto Ward, Tokyo, near Odaiba. One of Tokyo Apache's home courts in Tokyo. Easily accessible via Yurikamome Line (Ariake Station) and Rinkai Line (Kokusai Tenjijo Station). 有明コロシアム
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Entrance to Ariake Colosseum at around 4 pm, 2 hours before tip-off for the game between Tokyo Apache and Ryukyu Golden Kings on Nov. 29, 2008.
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Tokyo Apache merchandise sold in the lobby. Named after the American Indian tribe, the team was established in June 2004 and was one of the inaugural teams of the bj league in Nov. 2005.
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Uniforms sold in the lobby.
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Pre-game activities starting at 4 pm started with a free throw which anybody could participate.
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Tokyo Apache practice on court. The team is a member of the bj League, Japan's top pro basketball league. Unlike Japan's other pro basketball league (Japan Basketball League), foreign players can play in the bj League.
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Tokyo Apache basketball court. The bj League also focuses on entertainment and seeks fans in their localities through booster clubs. Ticket prices in Tokyo are quite cheap (as low as 2,000 yen for adults).
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Tokyo Apache Dance Team (equivalent to cheerleaders)
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More pregame entertainment.
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Tokyo Apache team members are introduced as they go through a gauntlet of cheerleaders.
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A low five...
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Team huddle
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Booster club members sitting in the "Apache Seats" (2,500 yen for adults) at one end of the court.
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Inside Ariake Colosseum. The front row seats along the court edge are called "Premium Seats" which cost 20,000 yen each. Includes free drinks and food delivered to your seat.
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Ryukyu Golden Kings practice.
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Tokyo Apache practice.
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National anthem
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Koto Ward mayor says a few words. This was Koto Ward Appreciation Day.
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The Koto Ward mayor tosses the ball for a tip-off.
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The game started at 6 pm.
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Joho Masashi
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Joho Masashi
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Darin Maki
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Dunk
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John "Helicopter" Humphrey
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The game was very enjoyable. But Ariake Colliseum had no heating. It was pretty cold, you need to wear a jacket. But I can imagine the cost of heating this huge arena.
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Tokyo Apache Dance Team (cheerleaders)
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John
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Cohey Aoki
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Iwasa Jun
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Nick Davis for free throw.
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Cohey Aoki
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Halftime
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Drawing
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Make a wave!
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Tokyo Apache Dance Team
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They changed their outfit and looked more like cheerleaders now.
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Helicopter
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Darin Maki is from California.
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Tokyo Apache head coach Joe Bryant, Kobe's father.
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Anthony McHenry
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Helicopter flies up
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Darin Satoshi Maki
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Cleanup
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Ryukyu Golden Kings fan section. They came all the way from Okinawa?
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John up again
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Darin
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Takushi Naoto of Ryukyu Golden Kings
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Nice dunk
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John flies up again.
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Game ends amid loud cheers by Apache fans.
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Opposing teams shake hands.
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Final score: 100-99, Tokyo Apache win by 1 point.
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