Albuquerque, N.M., February 27, 2008 – The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack & Casino will host a meet the team post game party, this Friday, February 29th. The party will be held in the Jockey Club on the 3rd floor of The Downs immediately following Friday night’s game against the Colorado 14ers.

Players and Coaches will be at The Downs immediately following the game to socialize with fans, friends and family. Food and drinks will be available for season ticket holders and guests, a buffet will be provided for anyone else in attendance.

“We’re thrilled to be partners with The Downs again this year for our “Meet the Team” party. It’s a great opportunity for our fans to get up close to their favorite players in a fun, relaxed setting.” Team C.O.O Chris Holland said. “The party is another way for the team say “thanks” to our fans for their unwavering support of the Thunderbirds.”

The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack & Casino is located on the New Mexico State Fair Grounds at 201 California St. NE. and has catered live horse racing and entertainment to Albuquerque for over 70 years.

Thunderbirds 2007–08 single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com, any Ticketmaster location or at the Thunderbirds front office at 111 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 240, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.

The Thunderbirds stay focused on the community by participating in community events such as the Read to Achieve Program as well as D-League Cares. In the past two seasons the Thunderbirds have worked over 3,000 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.

The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, and the first-ever basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. Now in its seventh season the D-League’s goals are to provide affordable, NBA-caliber entertainment to fans of its 14 teams, as well as continue to develop players, coaches, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. As the single source for in-season player "call-ups" to the NBA, fans of the D-League enjoy the highest caliber of basketball played outside the NBA. In fact, former D-League players represented 10 percent of NBA players on 2007-08 opening day rosters, numbering 44 in total. In addition, the D-League has produced 25 percent of current NBA referees and 16 current NBA coaches, including head coach Sam Vincent with the Charlotte Bobcats. The D-League is an innovative and rapidly growing sports property that also serves as an experimental testing ground for new initiatives like the live web-streaming of all games available free to fans at d-league.com. The League also provides continuing education and professional development resources for its players, and is committed to serving its local communities through D-LEAGUE CARES and grassroots efforts.

Individually, the Thunderbirds have had two player call-ups, two front office call-ups, two training staff call-ups and three call-ups from the Storm Chasers Dance and Cheer squad.

Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League offers NBA-quality basketball and fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com