Houston Rockets Set To Host First Ever ‘Taiwan Day’ Event

Feb 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) attempts to control the ball during the second quarter as Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson (13) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets will host the NBA’s first ever ‘Taiwan Day’ event later this year as part of a collaboration effort with The Tourism Bureau in an effort to promote the country of Taiwan’s image.

According to Focus Taiwan News Channel, the event could take place as soon as April at Toyota Center.

“On the day, banners bearing the slogan “Taiwan — The Heart of Asia” will be displayed at the stadium.

The organizers will jointly launch a bobblehead doll of Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin, the first NBA player of Taiwanese descent, and a towel printed with the logos of the Rockets and Taiwan.

It will be the first “Taiwan Day” within the NBA league, although the bureau has co-hosted similar events with several Major League Baseball teams annually, including the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2009 and the New York Mets since 2005.”

The Rockets continue to have great marketing relationships with China stemming from the days of Yao Ming, and it looks like they will look to expand into Taiwan as well, primarily through the overseas popularity of Lin.