• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, December 12, 2008

It's like the trash talk is happening right next to you. The February 2009 NBA All-Star Saturday Night is coming to 160 screens in 80 theaters across America live, in 3D HD, courtesy of a partnership between Turner Sports, the NBA and Cinedigm Digital Cinema. According to the companies, this marks the first time a sporting event has been simulcast live to theaters with audiences paying for admission.

The nationwide 3D sports event, also scheduled to air in non-3D format on TNT on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., is part of the NBA's push to reach consumers through new and emerging media channels.

Participating cinema chains include Carmike Cinemas, Celebration Cinemas, Cinema West, Emagine, Galaxy Theatres, Marquee Cinemas and Showcase. Altogether, the event will be digitally broadcast to locations in 35 states.

Steve Hellmuth, the NBA's executive vice president for operations and technology, touted the appeal of 3D sports events on the big screen: "We have embraced 3D HD as a new and innovative way to experience the excitement of our game and look forward to putting fans coast-to-coast in a courtside seat for All-Star Saturday Night."

David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting Sales and Turner Sports, said in a statement that his company was proud to be "on the cutting edge in providing NBA fans with a truly unique and comprehensive 3D viewing experience."

Last year, select audiences experienced 3D cinema simulcasts of Game Two in the 2007 NBA Finals.

On Dec. 4, the NFL experimented with a 3D version of a football game using a live feed of the San Diego vs. Oakland game. However, the three-theater simulcast was open only to industry executives and "invited guests."