'Fans Rule' in 2014: Harlem Globetrotters give fans power to decide which rules will impact Buffalo game

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 "Fans Rule" World Tour comes to First Niagara Center in Buffalo on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown. 

The Globetrotters were the first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year. Since the fan response was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again - but with a major twist.

The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen revolutionary rules:

•Hot Hand Jersey - Both teams will have a "Hot Hand Jersey" they can pass among each other. The player who is wearing this jersey will receive double points on made baskets.

•Make or Miss - The quarter begins with only two players on the court for each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game. When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court, leaving his or her teammates shorthanded. 

•Trick Shot Challenge - Via three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot. If the team makes the trick shot, they earn five points. If they miss, the other team receives five points.

With a roster showcasing stars such as Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Hi-Lite Bruton and Dizzy Grant - plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind family show features mesmerizing ball handling, an assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks and precise timing - all with an array of comedy guaranteed to entertain the young and the young at heart. After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.#

Tickets start at $17 and are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com, www.firstniagaracenter.com, the First Niagara Center box office, or by phone at 888-223-6000. Information on group and Scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Globetrotters tipped off the North American leg of their world tour with the first-ever events at the new Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 20-21. The tour recommences on Dec. 26, with the Globetrotters playing more than 290 games in more than 250 cities in 47 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico through April 2014.

Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios, Howard Johnson Hotels and Greyhound Lines, the Original 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. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents. 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 decades.

For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

*Rosters will vary in each city and are subject to change.

# Subject to availability.