Louisville Slugger Field to host screening of 'The Waiting Game,' documentary celebrating ABA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Slugger Field will host a screening of an award-winning documentary about the American Basketball Association and its players this March.

"The Waiting Game" celebrates the impact of the ABA "to innovate modern pro basketball" by exploring how players, "once elite athletes of their time," often fell on hard times after being left without benefits or recognition after their playing days.

"From the three-point shot, to the slam dunk contest, to player fashion, halftime shows, sneaker culture and more, the ABA led the way on it all," organizers said in a news release Wednesday.

Directed by Emmy Award-winning director Michael Husain, the film is currently touring former ABA cities.

The documentary features "Dr. J" Julius Erving, Bob Costas—the legendary sportscaster who got his start in the ABA, Hall of Famers Dan Issel, Spencer Haywood and more.

The screening will be held at Slugger Field's indoor events hall. The event includes a VIP reception, and ABA memorabilia will be on display.

Organizers said there will also be a question and answer session after the screening with former players, the director, cast and crew of the documentary. Members from the former Kentucky Colonels team will also be on hand.

"Kentucky had a love affair with the Colonels who brought a championship pedigree to the state," Husain said in a news release. "This film is an ode to the respect that those players and the entire league deserves to this day."

"The Waiting Game" was awarded the Heartland International Film Festival's Audience Choice Award in 2024.

Husain said the film shows the "little-known events" of what happened after the ABA merged with the NBA.

"ABA players got left out of the explosive growth of the game that they innovated and a tiny not-for-profit that helped get those players more recognition is profiled," he said.

The screening scheduled for Thursday, March 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the screening starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7.50 for children. Kids ages 2 and under are free. Organizers said seating is limited, and folding chairs will be provided. No outside food or drinks are allowed.

To purchase tickets, click here.

To learn more about the documentary, click here.

More Local News: