Armenian Heritage Night Celebrated at Philadelphia 76ers Game

Middle school students from Armenian Sisters Academy perform traditional dances and debut custom merchandise at the NBA team's first-ever Armenian Heritage Night.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Philadelphia 76ers hosted their inaugural Armenian Heritage Night on January 29, 2026, bringing Armenian music, dance, and culture to the center court. Middle school students from the Armenian Sisters Academy performed traditional Armenian dances choreographed by Tory Torcomian, and the group debuted custom merchandise that fans proudly wore throughout the arena. The energy and pride of the Armenian community was palpable, with team staff and even several players joining in the celebration.

Why it matters

This event represents an important effort by the Philadelphia 76ers to celebrate the city's diverse cultural heritage and engage the local Armenian community. By providing a platform for traditional Armenian performances and creating custom merchandise, the team is helping to raise awareness and appreciation for Armenian culture within the broader Philadelphia sports fan base.

The details

The Armenian Sisters Academy students delivered a lively halftime performance of traditional Armenian dances, choreographed by Tory Torcomian. The group also debuted custom 76ers merchandise featuring Armenian-inspired designs, which were worn by fans throughout the arena. Artist Tonee Marino also performed Armenian music, sharing his belief that maintaining cultural traditions is key to staying Armenian 'in spirit.' The 76ers were so impressed by the event that they have already invited the Armenian Sisters Academy and Tonee Marino back for next year's Armenian Heritage Night celebration.

  • The Philadelphia 76ers hosted their first-ever Armenian Heritage Night on January 29, 2026.
  • Tonee Marino will also perform at Armenian Heritage Night during the Los Angeles Kings' NHL game on March 19, 2026.

The players

Tory Torcomian

The choreographer who created the traditional Armenian dances performed by the Armenian Sisters Academy students at the 76ers game.

Tonee Marino

An artist who performed Armenian music at the 76ers' Armenian Heritage Night celebration, encouraging young people to stay connected to their cultural roots.

Armenian Sisters Academy

A middle school that participated in the 76ers' Armenian Heritage Night by performing traditional Armenian dances and debuting custom team merchandise.

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What they’re saying

“No matter where we are or who we are with, as long as we keep our traditions, we're Armenian in spirit.”

— Tonee Marino (armenianweekly.com)

“Our students of the Armenian Sisters Academy have an unmatched energy that embodies our Philadelphia community. They were the perfect back up dancers for Tonee Marino.”

— Tory Torcomian (armenianweekly.com)

“I got to perform in front of so many of my favorite people, and I loved the whole process of learning the dances.”

— Joy Yacobe, Seventh grader, Armenian Sisters Academy (armenianweekly.com)

What’s next

The Philadelphia 76ers have already invited the Armenian Sisters Academy and Tonee Marino back for next year's Armenian Heritage Night celebration.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the Philadelphia 76ers' commitment to celebrating the city's diverse cultural heritage and providing a platform for the local Armenian community to share its traditions with a wider audience. By embracing Armenian music, dance, and custom merchandise, the team is helping to foster greater appreciation and understanding of Armenian culture within the broader Philadelphia sports fan base.