Illinois city hosting its own Jurassic Park for Game 5
Toronto Raptors fever has officially crossed the border.
The city of Rockford, Ill., will be hosting "Jurassic Park RKFD" for Raptors fans during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday.
Rockford's connection to the Canadian franchise comes courtesy of backup point guard Fred VanVleet. The 25-year-old is a native of the northern Illinois city.
"Jurassic Park RKFD" will include a "FVV Shop Pop-Up Store" and "VanVleet signage for photo opportunities."
VanVleet's status for the potential series clincher looked to be in some doubt after he chipped a tooth and needed seven stitches following an inadvertent elbow to the face in Game 4. However, the Raptors ball-handler said postgame he didn't suffer a concussion, and he told ESPN's Tim Bontemps on Sunday he'll begrudgingly wear a mouthpiece in Game 5.
Rockford's Jurassic Park might not match up in size to the original but it'll likely be much easier to get into. Some Raptors fans began camping in line for Toronto's famous plaza Saturday evening, two days in advance of the game.
HEADLINES
- Magic's Franz Wagner available after 22-game absence
- Izzo 'talked seriously' with Ishbia about Suns' head coaching job
- NBA MVP Rankings: Red-hot Luka makes late charge
- Blazers fined $100K, assistant GMs suspended for predraft contact with Hansen
- Grizzlies' Clarke arrested in Arkansas on drug, speeding charges