While your Sacramento Monarchs are gearing up to begin training camp in April, the WNBA is busy setting the stage for 2002 season and the 2002 WNBA All-Star game. The top players from the Eastern and Western Conferences will square off in the Washington, D.C., on Monday, July 15. The 2002 WNBA All-Star Game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. EST at the MCI Center - home of the Washington Mystics. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Similar to the NBA's All-Star activities, the 2002 WNBA All-Star Weekend will feature two days of exciting basketball events including Summer Jam, the ultimate interactive basketball experience for fans of all ages, with WNBA players and various entertainers appearing throughout the two-day event.

This season's game will mark the WNBA's fourth All-Star event. Last year's All-Star Game was hosted at the TD Waterhouse Center, home of the Orlando Miracle. The Western Conference All-Stars were victorious after defeating the Eastern Conference team 80-72. Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie earned Most Valuable Player honors for the second time.

The Phoenix Mercury hosted the 2000 WNBA All-Star Game at America West Arena, as the West defeated the East 73-61. Monarchs stars Yolanda Griffith and Ticha Penicheiro represented Sacramento on the squad for the Western Conference team.

The Inaugural WNBA All-Star Game was hosted by the New York Liberty in 1999 at Madison Square Garden. Leslie was named MVP after leading the West to a 79-61 victory over the East.

Tickets for the 2002 WNBA All-Star Weekend will be available June 1, by calling the Washington Mystics ticket office at 202-432-SEAT.