Mascots take part in free throw challenge on NBA All-Star court at Indianapolis International Airport

INDIANAPOLIS — We're still a couple of days away from the start of NBA All-Star festivities in Indy, but some folks just can't wait to celebrate. 

That includes a group of local sports mascots who showed up Monday at Indianapolis International Airport.

They all took part in a free throw challenge on the NBA All-Star court at Civic Plaza. 

The group included Boomer from the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts' Blue, Mad Ant from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Indy Eleven's Zeke, Nitro from the Indy Fuel, and Rowdie, representing the Indianapolis Indians.

There was practice on the court and music played ahead of the free throw event. Besides the mascots, fans got in on the fun, as well as sports announcers and referees.

The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis is set for Feb. 15-18, and there is plenty for fans to do.

There are three main locations for events around the 73rd NBA All-Star Game: Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center.

If you're looking to get the most out of the All-Star Weekend, here is the schedule of events:

Thursday, Feb. 15

• The Tip Off | 6-6:45 p.m. ET | Bicentennial Unity Plaza
  • The Tip-Off will celebrate Indiana's unique connection to basketball, arts and culture. Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings and Indianapolis native actor and comedian Mike Epps will emcee the 45-minute celebration.
  • Free tickets to the kickoff event are sold out.
• Machine Gun Kelly and DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O'Neal | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | Indiana Convention Center
  • The Grammy-nominated singer and NBA legend will perform during the "NBA on TNT American Express Road Show."
    • Free tickets will be available at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9. However, American Express cardmembers have early access to a limited supply of complimentary tickets from Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 8 at 12:59 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16

• NBA Crossover – Day 1 | 3-9 p.m.  ET | Indiana Convention Center
  • NBA Crossover is an interactive fan event featuring player appearances, live performances and activities around art, music, fashion, technology and entertainment.
  • VIP entry ($150) is at 2 p.m. with general admission at 3 and 6 p.m. (Kids: $20; Adults: $35). 
    • Tickets can be purchased here.
• Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game | 7 p.m.  ET | Lucas Oil Stadium
  • Fans will be able to watch some of the hottest celebrities from film, TV and music, along with their favorite NBA legends and WNBA players. They'll be testing their skills in a fun and entertaining basketball game.
    • Tickets are sold out.
• NBA Rising Stars | 9 p.m. ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • First- and second-year players, along with G League standouts, will compete in this exciting game.
    • Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
• T-Pain and DJ Zedd concert | 9 p.m. ET | Indiana Convention Center
  • Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here.

RELATED: 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis returns to East vs. West

Saturday, Feb. 17

• NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T | 11 a.m. ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • Fans can see the 2024 NBA All-Stars practicing on the court as coaches and players meet with the media.
    • Tickets can be purchased here.
• NBA Crossover – Day 2 | 12-6 p.m.  ET | Indiana Convention Center
  • NBA Crossover is an interactive fan event featuring player appearances, live performances and activities around art, music, fashion, technology and entertainment.
  • VIP entry ($150) is at 11 a.m. with general admission at noon and 3 p.m. (Kids: $20; Adults: $35). 
    • Tickets can be purchased here.
• HBCU Classic presented by AT&T | 2 p.m. ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • This is a chance to see the best of HBCU on the All-Star stage. In addition to the on-court action, there will also be marching band performances. Playing will be Winston-Salem State vs. Virginia Union. 
    • Tickets can be purchased here.
• Keith Urban and Walker Hayes concert | 3 p.m. | Indiana Convention Center
  • Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased here.
• State Farm All-Star Saturday Night | 8 p.m. ET | Lucas Oil Stadium
  • The event brings together the league's brightest stars to showcase their skills.
    • Kia Skills Challenge 
    • Starry 3-Point Contest 
    • AT&T Slam Dunk
  • Tickets can be purchased here.
• Jelly Roll concert | 9:30 p.m. | Indiana Convention Center
  • Tickets start at at $50 and can be purchased here.

RELATED: Volunteers needed to help pack 1 million meals for NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service

Sunday, Feb. 18

• NBA Crossover – Day 3 | 12-6 p.m.  ET | Indiana Convention Center
  • NBA Crossover is an interactive fan event featuring player appearances, live performances and activities around art, music, fashion, technology and entertainment.
  • VIP entry ($150) is at 11 a.m. with general admission at noon and 3 p.m. (Kids: $20; Adults: $35). 
    • Tickets can be purchased here.
• G League Up Next Game presented by AT&T | 1:30 p.m. ET | Indiana Convention Center
  • The event will be a tournament-style format. Each team will have its own influencer general manager, who will draft their squad, customize their teams’ jersey, and stream the game on their own digital platforms.
  • Tickets start at $35 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. 
    • Tickets will be available here.
• Lil Wayne concert | 3 p.m. | Indiana Convention Center
  • Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased here.
• 73rd NBA All-Star Game | 8:30 p.m. ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • The league's greatest players will face off in an East vs. West match and the traditional scoring system with four 12-minute quarters.
  • Indianapolis last hosted the All-Star game in 1985.
    • Tickets can be purchased here.