Remember, this is an event, not "just another game." Since you will not necessarily have a scrimmage at your Tip-Off, you will have to constantly concern yourself with entertaining the fans.

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After all, that is what they are there for!

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The Fan Fun events previously discussed will provide the majority of the entertainment. You will also want to consider professional entertainers for your event.  Professional entertainers are a positive addition to your Tip-Off for several reasons.

First, since it is unlikely that you will have such entertainers at most events or games, this will provide an opportunity to set the Tip-Off apart from other activities.

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Second, these individuals are paid quite well because they are experts at getting crowd involvement and participation.

Third, the entertainers provide a change of pace from your audience-oriented Fan Fun events. A jam-packed event such as a Tip-Off needs to change or vary the evening's pace as often as possible.

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Finally, they are a challenge to book, a challenge to get sponsors for, and just plain fun. Remember, this is supposed to be an educational experience and a good time. You need both, and the challenges add considerably to the educational aspect of the event.

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Suppose you are planning to use a professional entertainer at your event. In that case, you must decide which act and then reserve them for your date as soon as possible. If they are professional, they work every night they can, so you want to book them early.

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When contacting these acts, always try and negotiate the price. Most are relatively firm, but others will be willing to give a high school program a discount. Also, it may be wise to try and book the entertainer with other area high schools, colleges, or pro teams. In doing so, you can often get a break on the performance fee, and you will spread the expenses among all the other groups. When working with a professional or major college, they will be willing to cover the expenses for the entertainer (not the performance fee).

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You can contact several different types of acts for your Tip-Off, including many who are "basketball" oriented. Check out the next page for a few examples.