LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Last March, the Harlem Globetrotters' tricks, slam dunks and dance moves were put on pause after years of delighting fans with their hijinks on the court.

“We all went back home and things were very uncertain. We didn't know what we were going to get,” said Harlem Globetrotter player Zeus McClurkin. 

Now that timeout from the pandemic is behind them, the team is back on the court. 

The Harlem Globetrotters have a week-long show at Kentucky Kingdom. 

The amusement park’s guests are among the first to get an inside look at the team’s 2021 special skills showcase. 

“These fans have been waiting to watch us for over a year, and we’ve been really excited to get back on the road,” said McClurkin.

Carmen Sandoval, a travel basketball player, knows a few tricks herself. 

“My mom just told me that they were coming, and I was super excited because I used to watch them when I was 6. It's really cool watching what other people can do,” she said. 

The team is most excited about seeing the crowd’s reaction after going without it for so long.

“It was tough, you know, but we knew that it was going to come to an end at some point and we were going to get an opportunity, and people were going to need smiles and after the hardships that people suffered due to the pandemic,” said McClurkin. “We get a chance to come out here and spread this joy and bring joy back to people who have really kind of been needing it.”

The crowds have been ready to cheer the team on.  

“Fans are going crazy. They are lining up early. They are giving them a warm welcome and enjoying the entire show. It’s a laugh, it's a roar, it’s funny, and they are also pretty high flyers so it’s pretty entertaining,” said Kentucky Kingdom Vice President of Guest experience Jessi O’Daniel. 

Shows are at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. daily through Friday, June 25 and are included in season passes or park admission. 

Free autographs and meet and greets are available after shows.