Bobcats to host draft party

The Charlotte Bobcats will host an NBA Draft Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Time Warner Cable Arena.

This free, public event will feature appearances by former NBA stars David Thompson, Eric “Sleepy” Floyd and Dell Curry, as well as live analysis of the draft by team broadcasters Steve Martin and Scott Lauer.

The draft will air on the arena’s main scoreboard beginning at 7 p.m. The Bobcats have the ninth, 19th and 39th overall selections in this year’s draft; the ninth pick will be made at approximately 8:20 p.m.

In addition to live draft coverage, attendees can test their basketball skills in the Bobcats draft combine on the practice court and meet the new 2011-12 Lady Cats dance team. Kids activities will include balloon artists, face painters and magicians, and concession stands will be open.

If you're in the market for Bobcats gear, team-worn items will be on sale at a table on the concourse, with all proceeds benefitting Cats Care programming next season, and the Team Store (on the Trade Street Plaza entrance of the arena) will be hosting a store-wide 25-percent-off sale.

For more on the Bobcats and on the draft-night event: www.bobcats.com.