WHITFIELD: Here in New Orleans it's Mardi Gras. It's All-Star weekend, and I've got my buddy here Steve Smith, and we've got our all access at the NBA All-Star weekend coming up at 2:30 eastern time. Why is it this weekend, no matter what city, it's become a real cultural event?</s>STEVE SMITH, FORMER NBA PLAYER: It is because, one, I think you get a chance to celebrate all our stars in the game. You get a chance to have guys come and just have a fun weekend, and everybody gets a chance to watch basketball at its highest level. And then you talked about it. You add Mardi Gras and the city of New Orleans, this is going to be a big party.</s>WHITFIELD: And already this is a festive city. We were on Bourbon Street. You can hear the traffic here. This is an exciting place. So there are many reasons to come to New Orleans this weekend.</s>SMITH: Yes, it is. Like I said, you get a chance to see some fabulous basketball. You get a chance to celebrate Mardi Gras. And for me, it's the food and the music. I'm excited.</s>WHITFIELD: It's all about the food. Thanks so much, Steve Smith, 2:30 eastern time. We've got you covered for 30 minutes, All-Star weekend.
New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras and NBA All-Star Game.