The original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 83 consecutive seasons of dazzling crowds with their unique brand of basketball showmanship, and the “Trotters” are coming to Troy on Monday, March 9.

Johnny Gibson, vice president of the sponsoring Pike County United Way, said the Globetrotters have already broken 30 box office records on their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour.

“The Globetrotters delight fans with their antics on the basketball court and amaze them with their athleticism that would make NBA stars take a backseat,” Gibson said. “We are excited to be able to bring this extraordinary entertainers to Troy and Pike County.”

The Globetrotters will tip off against a traveling team of professional basketball players at 7 p.m. March 9 at Trojan Arena.

The Globetrotters sport some of the world’s greatest athletes and entertainers such as the reigning Clown Price of Basketball, Big Easy Lofton; dribbling sensation Flight Time Lang; the gravity-defying Hi Rise Brown; ball handling extraordinaire Handles Franklin; fan favorite General Grant; and seven-foot-four Skyscraper Alleyne.

“This will be a rare opportunity to see these world-famous athletes right here in Troy,” Gibson said. “The Harlem Globetrotters have played in 120 countries on six continents and entertained more than 128 million fans. The Globetrotters are one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Gibson said the Globetrotters show is a fundraiser for the Pike County United Way.

“This is a rare opportunity for us and we hope to have a huge crowd for this special event,” Gibson said. “The funds that are raised for the United Way will benefit our community by staying right here in Pike County.

The Pike County United Way supports 15 agencies in the county including the Salvation Army, Pike County Child Advocacy Center, Pike County 4H, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Troy Charity League, Colley Senior Complex, Humane Society of Pike County, Women’s Life Center, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, East Central Mental Health, Alabama Easter Seal Society, House of Ruth, Big Brothers Big Sisters and American Red Cross,

Tickets are on sale at all bank locations in the county. Tickets are $21 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. Tickets will also be available at the door.