If the first two weeks of the Harlem Globetrotters 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour are any indication, the team is poised to have the most successful season at the box office in the 88-year history of the storied organization. The tour, which tipped off Dec. 26, 2013, has already set 13 box office records, and paid attendance is up by over 10 percent versus last year. The 2014 tour is on pace to surpass the Globetrotters' record-breaking 2013 tour, which broke 84 box office records and was the team's best year ever.

"It has been a remarkable start to the tour, and it appears the momentum and numbers will continue to rise," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "Families are coming out in droves and enjoying the Globetrotters' unique brand of wholesome family entertainment.

"The Globetrotters are as popular as ever, with a new generation of fans crazy about today's players. We had incredible media exposure this fall, and there is no hotter show or team out there right now."

To date, the Globetrotters have set new turnstile records in 13 markets, including: Chicago; Rockford, Ill.; Hammond, Ind.; Green Bay, Wis.; Bangor, Maine; Richmond, Va.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Columbus, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Madison, Wis.; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Atlantic City, N.J. The Globetrotters' revenue and group sales efforts are both up over 20 percent versus the same number of games played a year ago.

The first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules to be used in the game, the Globetrotters are seeing fans flocking to vote online (harlemglobetrotters.com/rule) to choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown. Online voting on the rules has increased nearly 500 percent compared to the same time last year.

The Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind family show features mesmerizing ball handling and an assortment of amazing trick shots and high-flying dunks - all with an array of comedy guaranteed to entertain all ages.

Looking ahead, several upcoming stops on the tour schedule are already pacing well ahead of the 2013 results for sales, including: Dallas; Houston; San Jose, Calif.; Oakland, Calif.; Kansas City, Mo.; Sacramento, Calif.; South Bend, Ind.; Austin, Texas; and Winnipeg, Ontario. The 300-game tour continues across North America through April.

Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios, Howard Johnson Hotels, World Vision, Greyhound Lines and Baden Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 88th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Harlem Globetrotters
Brett Meister, 602-258-0000, ext. 104
Sr. VP of Communications
meister@harlemglobetrotters.com