The NBA’s first outdoor game of the modern era will take place when the Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game on Saturday, October 11 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA. The 16,000-seat stadium is an NBA-style arena with no roof located in a spectacular desert setting. The venue annually plays host to one of the world’s major tennis tournaments, the Pacific Life Open.

“The Suns and the Nuggets are truly excited to bring NBA basketball to Indian Wells in what promises to be the most picturesque setting for an NBA game in league history – outdoors in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable,” said Suns’ President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts. “It will be unique, fun and memorable for fans and the teams alike.”

The game will be televised nationally, exclusively on TNT.

“When something special happens in the NBA, fans know that TNT will be there to cover the event like no other network,” said David Levy, President of Turner Sports. “We are looking forward to providing a national television audience with a front row seat to this unique and historic game."

While the event will be historic, it will not be the first time an NBA game has been played outdoors. Over 35 years ago, the Phoenix Suns, played the only other NBA game to be played outdoors in Puerto Rico against the Milwaukee Bucks. Led by Connie Hawkins, Dick Van Arsdale and Neal Walk, the Suns defeated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and the Bucks, 116-103, in a preseason game on September 24, 1972 at a baseball stadium in San Juan.