Melo returns to the Dome

SYRACUSE, NY - The NBA and Syracuse All-American Carmelo Anthony will return to the Carrier Dome on Monday, October 22, when the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers play an exhibition at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the game will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 17 at www.TicketMaster.com and are available in the three levels of the Carrier Dome for between $19.50 and $39.50 (excluding courtside and premium seating). Syracuse University students will be able to purchase a discounted lower-level ticket for $25.

In addition to Anthony's appearance, there is another interesting local tie-in to the matchup. The Philadelphia 76ers franchise was once known as the Syracuse Nationals. The Nationals won the NBA Championship in 1955 before moving to Philadelphia in 1963. This season marks the 76ers' 50th season in Philadelphia.

"As we celebrate our 50th season in Philadelphia, it's important to remember our Syracuse roots while looking forward to the exciting season we have ahead of us," said Sixers CEO and co-Owner Adam Aron. "What fun to see the Sixers take on our division rivals in this historic hometown game."

Hall-of-famer Dolph Schayes, who played all 14 seasons for the Nationals and finished his career as a Sixer, will be in attendance. Schayes also coached the Sixers for three seasons, taking the team to the Eastern Division Finals twice. A 12-time All-Star, Schayes retired as the NBA's all-time leading scorer and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

"I'm thrilled to see the franchise return to play a game in Syracuse," said Schayes. "This will bring excitement to generations of fans in central New York who have heard of the great basketball tradition the Nationals started in the area back in the 50's and early 60's, which has been carried on by Syracuse University."

Anthony led Syracuse to the NCAA Championship as a freshman in 2003. He earned consensus All-American honors with the Orange and then entered the NBA Draft. He was the third overall pick and was selected by the Denver Nuggets.

The only time the Sixers have played at the Carrier Dome was a preseason game against New Jersey on October 26, 1991. Charles Barkley and the Sixers came won that encounter 128-104.

The Carrier Dome most recently hosted an NBA preseason game in 2010 when the Minnesota Timberwolves, featuring Syracuse stars Jonny Flynn, Jason Hart and Wesley Johnson, hosted the Detroit Pistons.