![[16:9 Featured] Staples Center](https://i0.wp.com/mynewsla-newspack.newspackstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MNLA_FilePhotos_OfficialsLAXUSC_0079_16-9.jpg?ssl=1)
The Los Angeles Sparks will hold a block party from 4-8 p.m. Thursday in front of Staples Center, with team owner Magic Johnson joining players and first-year coach Brian Agler in signing autographs.
The #WeAreLA Block Party will also include live music, dancing, carnival- style games, performances by the team’s Ole Skool Crew and SparKids dancers; face painting, balloon artists and stunts by the BMX Crew.
The party will also include a literacy awareness event with authors sharing their stories and leading children in writing and drawing exercises.
The Sparks will open the 19th WNBA season Saturday with a game at Seattle. They will also play the Storm in their home opener June 14 at Staples Center.
—City News Service