The National Basketball Association held its first ever all-star game on March 2, 1951 at the famed Boston Garden. After a massive point-shaving scandal that rocked the college basketball scene, the idea of having an all-star game was mentioned during a meeting by NBA President Maurice Podoloff, Celtics owner Walter Brown and NBA Publicity Director Haskell Cohen. This was an attempt to showcase its best players and bring attention to the league and despite skepticism of the idea, Brown offered to foot the bill by having the Celtics host the game as he was convinced this game would work. 10,094 fans agreed with Brown, as that attendance figure dwarfed the 3,500 average attendance at that time.

      The game, which featured stars like Bob Cousy, Ed Macauley and George Mikan, was won by the East All-Stars as they defeated the West All-Stars 111-94. The MVP of the game was Macauley, who had a game-high 20 points for the East squad. Offered is this official program from that historic first all-star game. This 8 x 11 inch program has “NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION” in black with “1st Annual” in red and “ALL-STAR GAME” in black across the top. “BOSTON GARDEN” is in white on a red stripe on the bottom of the cover with “25 CENTS” in red on a white circle next to the “BOSTON GARDEN” banner. The program has been scored in blue pen with the pre-printed rosters that designate first and second half “FG”, “Fouls” and “Pts.”. Each player has their picture and profile along with the coach’s pictures and profiles. This program is in good condition with the binding still intact, with only slight wear showing.

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