Larry Bird drives IndyCar through midtown Manhattan

April 24 (UPI) -- Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird delivered his city's 2021 NBA All-Star Game bid in an IndyCar Monday in New York City.

The car's theme was specially designed for the event, sporting a blue and yellow Pacers paint scheme and logos. It also read the No. 21 for the year the Pacers want to have the contest.

Bird drove the car five blocks down Fifth Avenue to the NBA headquarters in midtown Manhattan.

"I'm proud and honored to make this special delivery on behalf of our owner, Herb Simon, the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and our other bid partners," Bird said. "We know that competition for the All-Star Game is highly competitive, but we are hopeful that this demonstrates how Indianapolis routinely and uniquely sets itself apart when it comes to hosting major sporting events."

PS&E President and COO Rick Fuson estimated that the return for the city hosting the game would be in excess of $100 million. He also said that the effort will be privately and publicly funded. Simon has "already committed to making a significant contribution," according to a Pacers press release.

Bird is in mourning for the Pacers' season after the Cleveland Cavaliers swept his team in four games Sunday in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Hall of Fame hooper was a 12-time All-Star in 13 seasons for the Boston Celtics, but his roots are in Indiana. "Larry Legend" was born in West Baden and played for Springs Valley High School in French Lick. He starred at Indiana State before being selected with the No. 6 pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. Bird went on to win three NBA championships and three NBA MVP awards. Bird, 60, was hired as the Pacers' president in 2003. He coached the team from 1997 to 1999.

The 2018 NBA All-Star Game is on Feb. 18 in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.