Posts tagged All-Star
Check Out The Jordan Brand ASW Pearl Pavilion Space
As we come to a close for the NBA All-Star Weekend we take a look at Jordan Brand’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the franchise in New York City.
Famed footwear designer Tinker Hatfield and Jordan Brand’s Howard “H” White were on-site for the exclusive unveil, and Jordan Brand athlete Carmelo Anthony stopped by to visit the space prior to Pearl Pavilion opening to the public.
Jordan Brand’s experiential space for All-Star Weekend, Pearl Pavilion showcases 30 years of the brand, highlighting epic and defining moments throughout MJ’s career and providing the opportunity for fans to step into his shoes to emulate some of Jordan’s iconic last shot moments.
Plus here is MJ and his friends that showed up for Jordan Brand’s 30th Anniversary celebration last night in New York City for All-Star Weekend.
Michael and Yvette Jordan attend the Jordan Brand 30 Years of Greatness Celebration on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 in New York.
Derek Jeter attends the Jordan Brand 30 Years of Greatness Celebration on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 in New York.
Chris and Jada Paul attend the Jordan Brand 30 Years of Greatness Celebration on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 in New York.
Nicki Minaj attends the Jordan Brand 30 Years of Greatness Celebration on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 in New York.
Feb 15th
Jordan Brand’s Carmelo Anthony And Tinker Hatfield Attend All-Star Weekend Event
Today, the Jordan Brand celebrated its 30th anniversary, opening its NBA All-Star Weekend experience at Pearl Pavilion across the street from Madison Square Garden. Two of Michael’s oldest friends and colleagues in the business, famed footwear designer Tinker Hatfield and Jordan Brand’s Howard “H” White took part in a Q&A session, telling never-heard-before stories of the three decades since the launch of the Air Jordan I.
In addition, Jordan brand athlete – New York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony – attended the event, checking out the venue’s Hallway of Greatness , a collection of Walter Iooss Jordan photos, and an interactive experience where fans can emulate several of Jordan’s greatest shots ever.
Sports photographer Walter Iooss’ iconic imagery of Michael Jordan on display at Pearl Pavilion, New York City
Fans have an opportunity to relive 30 years of the Jordan Brand’s history at the Hallway of Greatness in Pearl Pavilion, New York City
Feb 13th
Degree Battle Of The Game Changers Fan Voting Begins
The rivalry between “East vs. West” is synonymous with NBA All-Star, and now the new game changing Degree® Dry Spray Antiperspirant has sparked a fresh competition, pitting two game changing point guards from each coast against each other. On Saturday, February 14, during NBA All-Star Practice presented by Sean John at Macy’s, All-Star starters Stephen Curry and John Wall will go shot-for-shot in the ‘Degree® Battle of the Game Changers.’ One of these All-Stars will be named the ‘Ultimate Game Changer’ in front of a live audience at Madison Square Garden and on NBA TV.
Curry and Wall will face off in a shot-for-shot competition and fans will help play a role in determining who is crowned the ‘Ultimate Game Changer,’ by voting on one of the shots the two All-Stars will attempt in the battle. Starting Monday, February 9 fans can vote at Twitter.com/DegreeMen and tune in to NBA TV on February 14 to see which fan shot was selected. To take the crown, Curry and Wall also will have to make a variety of shots which will be unveiled at the start of the competition.
Feb 10th
Jordan Brand Unveils Pinnacle Performance Collection for All-Star Weekend
It took Michael Jordan 15 years, six championships and 14 All-Star appearances to establish himself as the greatest basketball player of all time. Today, the franchise that bears his name celebrates 30 years by reflecting on the legacy of the man and the shoes, while setting the stage for its next chapter.
As time has passed, Jordan’s game continues to shine brighter and his achievements become all the more remarkable. The mythical moments of Jordan’s career, the double-nickel in New York and the last shot, have set the standard by which all other players are judged.
While time can diminish memories and details eventually fade, epic moments are left to be passed generation to generation. Like a natural pearl, the beauty of achievement stands the test of time. The brand formed by these moments continues to evolve through innovation and style.
This year’s All-Star pinnacle performance collection, the Pearl Pack, draws inspiration from the pearl, in both color and design. For All-Star 2015, the pack features four premium performance shoes, the Jordan Super.Fly 3, Jordan Melo M11, Jordan CP3.VIII, and Air Jordan XX9.
Each shoe in the collection exemplifies elegance and sophistication, from intricate graphics to premium materials. A magnified pearl texture appears on each shoe’s upper, while white-based sheen and reflective threading bring the luminescence of the pearl to mind.
The preferred shoe by Jordan athlete Blake Griffin, the Jordan Super.Fly 3 features a fused upper design, providing lightweight strength and support. The shoe also includes FlightPlate technology, which harnesses the energy of every step for explosive lift-off.
The Jordan Melo M11 is Jordan Brand’s latest performance model, incorporating the brand’s pinnacle technology created for the basketball court: FlightPlate. On the shoe’s upper, a molded collar optimizes fit and enhances ankle support for Carmelo Anthony’s versatile game.
Inspired by the speed of flight, the Jordan CP3.VIII gives Chris Paul an on-court edge over opponents. The TPU chassis keep the foot contained for lateral support, while a lightweight no-sew upper provides breathability and durability.
The Air Jordan XX9, worn by high-flying Russell Westbrook, features a re-engineered FlightPlate technology that includes an additional tendril to improve heel-to-toe transitions. A performance woven upper is constructed to be incredibly light for superior flight.
The Jordan Pearl Pack will be available at select retail stores and Jordan.com on Feb. 7.
All-Star Weekend has always been a significant moment for the Jordan Brand, whether it was a great performance by Jordan, the release of the newest game shoe or simply a place where fans celebrated with the brand during one of the biggest sport moments of the year.
This year, Jordan Brand invites consumers to celebrate its 30th anniversary in New York City with experiences created specifically for All-Star Weekend. From Thursday, Feb. 12, to Monday, Feb. 16, Jordan Brand will open distinctive spaces for fans to join the celebration.
Pearl Pavilion, across from Penn Station, is the Jordan Brand immersive experience and pop-up store. It opens for the first time at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, and will feature a celebration of three decades of Jordan’s game-changing sneakers and iconic moments. Consumers can step into Jordan’s shoes to relive some of his greatest moments, sharpen their skills through a competitive trialing experience, and shop a curated collection of All-Star product drops.
In Brooklyn, Jordan will open 166 Flatbush, the ultimate sneaker boutique, with special edition product, customization and a variety of special guests, 166 Flatbush will be a can’t-miss experience for Jordan fans.
Consumers who want to learn more about the All-Star celebrations can follow @Jumpman23 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Those who will be in New York for All-Star and want details on all Jordan activities, along with the chance to register for exclusive access and experiences can visit the Jordan Brand All-Star mobile site at Jordan.com/ASWNYC.
Feb 6th
Jordan Brand Commemorates Franchise’s 30th Anniversary
In 1985, newcomer Michael Jordan turned heads. In addition to leading his team to the playoffs, Jordan finished the season with a scoring average of 28.2 points per game; set Chicago single-season records for points, field goals, free throws and steals; and received the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Jordan’s performance that year set the tone for the next 30 years, forever changing the game of basketball and sports around the world. In the ensuing years, he also came to lead a global brand that revolutionized on- and off-court footwear and apparel – through the Jordan Brand.
Thirty years, celebrated as the pearl anniversary, is an ideal moment to recognize what has made the Jordan Brand great – its fans. A pearl is forged over time through the formation of strong, resilient layers. Looking back on the 30 years of the Air Jordan franchise, Jordan Brand has become a performance basketball staple synonymous with pinnacle performance and an endless pursuit of greatness.
What started with a single pair of sneakers has evolved into a globally celebrated franchise, as each iteration of the game shoe pushes the limits of performance and style. In addition to growing its collection of sneakers and game-changing innovations, Jordan Brand has extended beyond its namesake by welcoming more than 50 world-class basketball athletes, such as Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jabari Parker, Kawhi Leonard, to the family. From Paul’s speed and competitive spirit to Westbrook’s stunning ability to take flight, characteristics of each athlete’s gameplay mirror that of Jordan’s. While they are not Michael, there is no doubt they are Jordan.
Jordan Brand has always looked to Michael Jordan as its source of inspiration, yet many of Jordan’s celebrated attributes are not his alone. Anyone who strives for greatness, anyone who has overcome obstacles in pursuit of success shares a common link with Jordan.
The Jordan Brand family is also wider than the elite professional athletes of its signature ranks and continues to transcend a variety of sports, ranging from professional football athletes to boxing to track and field athletes. The family includes anyone who draws inspiration from MJ’s greatness, from a high school athlete chasing a championship, to someone striving for a win on sport’s biggest stage. The athletes who draw inspiration from Jordan’s example and choose to wear the Jumpman are not Michael, but they are Jordan.
To celebrate 30 years of chasing greatness, the Jordan Brand will celebrate the many stories of those working to be their best in a given pursuit. Throughout the year ahead, the brand will celebrate everyday — and not so everyday — athletes who continue to draw inspiration from Michael Jordan’s championship mindset.
All-Star Weekend has always been a significant moment for the Jordan Brand, whether it occasioned a great performance by MJ, the release of the newest game shoe, or simply a time when consumers celebrated with the brand during one of the most exciting basketball moments of the year.
This year, Jordan Brand invites fans to celebrate its 30th anniversary in New York City with experiences created specifically for All-Star Weekend. From Thursday, Feb. 12, to Sunday, Feb. 15, Jordan Brand will open distinctive spaces for our fans to join the celebration. Stay tuned to Nike News and @Jumpman23 for more details in the days to come.
Feb 4th
Crown Royal Let Me #ReignOn for the 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend
If someone asked you to create the perfect sports weekend, what would some of the key ingredients be to make that experience special?
For me, I would say watching the top athletes of that sport compete against each other. You would enjoy great food and even better cocktails. I would add some of my good friends into the mix to enjoy those moments. There would be invites to incredible parties and events that you couldn’t go to on a regular basis. Maybe the chance of meeting legends of that sport in an intimate setting and be able to pick their brain about the game they love. Okay, I think you catch my drift.
I am very fortunate to say that I was able to have experienced just that. I was invited to be part of the Crown Royal #ReignOn campaign for the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans. Let me just say that this has to be one of the best weekends I have experienced in my life.
So with that being said, where do I begin? I guess the old adage is to start from the beginning.
I arrived in New Orleans Friday night with a lot of anticipation. I got to the hotel and made sure I got a good night 
sleep. I wanted to be ready for everything that was going to happen that weekend. I was going to the NBA All-Star game on Sunday to see the cream of the crop play against each other. Crown Royal had created an out of this world itinerary that included hanging out with NBA legend Julius Erving. That’s right Dr. J. Crown Royal set up a meet and greet with Dr. J and a whisky tasting with the living legend.
Crown Royal also scored me and my fellow bloggers NBA “Jam Session” media passes. This let us into some cool places during the NBA All-Star weekend. They took us to some premiere restaurants to get a real taste of the New Orleans cuisine. We even had a whiskey tasting with Master of Whisky, Robert Sickler. He gave us an in-depth education on the new Crown Royal XO, which was outstanding by the way. For those who enjoy a great whisky I suggest picking up the XO.
So as you can see this weekend looked to be one of those perfect sports weekend that I mentioned earlier.
So as I woke up Saturday morning I had an extra spring in my step. I was getting ready to seize the day. I headed off to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to pick up my media credentials for the weekend. Once I picked that up I ventured into center in what the NBA called “Jam Session.” Picture Disney World, but catered for those who love basketball. There were meet and greets with former and current players. You could test out your basketball skills 
with certain games and challenges at the convention center. You could even check out the Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars practice on Saturday morning.
I did watch the All-Stars from the West take to the court to go over some plays for Sunday’s game. That is where I ran into NBA great Darryl Dawkins AKA “Chocolate Thunder.” He is such a down to earth guy and answered all my questions. Thanks Darryl.
After watching the West practice I used my credentials to go to the media section for the Q&A sessions with both conferences. I was able to interview LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Kyrie Irving. That was one of the sickest moments from that weekend. After coming off that high, I went back to engage in some of the 
other activities at the convention center.
I then met up with the Crown Royal team and other bloggers to go meet up with Dr. J that night. (That sentence alone still gets me!) Erving gave some of his thoughts on his work with Crown Royal. He followed that up by talking about his time in the NBA, players he admired growing up, and what he thought of today’s players.
Next he opened the floor for our questions. Just like the kid in school who wants to answer all of the teacher’s questions I raised my hand to ask the good doctor the first question. I wanted to get his take on the evolution of the league.
He answered my question with great insight. He feels that teams need to start looking to be stronger on the defensive side of things. From his answer I could tell he is still a student of the game. He then answered a few other questions. Dr. J is a classy guy to say the least. Our time with Dr. J ended by him giving us 
a gift! Yeah, you read that correctly. He gave us each some Dr. J flex fit hats. Just like my time with James, Wade, and Kyrie, this will be one of my favorite memories from that weekend.
After that I would be very content with calling it night, but that is not how the fine folks at Crown Royal work. They made sure our experience was a true “Reign On” weekend from start to finish. We met for dinner at St. Marie Brasserie. There we had a very scrumptious dinner. At St. Marie Brasserie the master bartender created cocktails with Crown Royal that was influenced by the city of New Orleans. We finished dinner with a tasty dessert and went to the Metropolitan for the Kevin Hart party.
At the Metropolitan we all gathered at the Crown Royal section of the club. We had a great time talking about our time in New Orleans. During the night the guest DJ came up to the booth. It was none other than Biz Markie. This was another amazing part of the weekend. I am a big fan of Biz and he was cool to chat for a bit and even take a picture with me.
On Sunday I checked out the French Quarter for a bit and picked up some things for my wife and my daughters. I even 
tried the world famous beignets from Café du Monde. For those at home wondering, yes they did live up to the hype.
Later that night it was finally here! GAME TIME. The Crown Royal crew and I went to the NBA All-Star game. Who knew a concert would break out right before the game? Pharrell opened up the night by bringing some of his closest friends like Nelly, Diddy, and Busta Rhymes on stage with him. As he was performing the Eastern and Western Conference players came out onto the court.
Once Pharrell was done performing it was time for tip off. The West took an early lead and looked to steal the show as high flyer Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers kept on attacking the rim with some ridiculous alley-oops. In the end though the Eastern Conference got the victory. Kyrie Irving was named the MVP.
The whirlwind that was the NBA All-Star weekend had come to an end. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. From talking with NBA legends to learning about whisky, Crown Royal produced the ultimate sports fan experience. So to the fantastic people at Diageo, Taylor, and Crown Royal I want to thank you for an unbelievable time.
Crown Royal raised the bar on this promotion. Since they do that for their whisky I guess it is only natural for them to excel in anything they touch! I can truly say that I was able to Reign On for the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend!
For Crown Royal, to Reign On is to win. With that said please enjoy Crown Royal responsibly this NBA season.
Feb 18th
adidas Created an All-Star Experience in New Orleans
This week while I was in New Orleans for the NBA All-Star game I made it a point to check out the adidas store located in the French Quarter. When I entered the store you could see the New Orleans influence interwoven with the fresh adidas NBA gear. From official NBA apparel to the jazz themed decorations the store got folks ready for All-Star weekend in New Orleans.
Besides having a state of the art facility during All-Star weekend, adidas had made sure to bring the A-Game with the appearances of current and former athletes and a sick lineup of entertainers. adidas rolled out the red carpet for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dikembe Mutombo, Dwight Howard, Damian Lillard, John Wall, and Joakim Noah, as well as Harrison Barnes, Steven Adams, Tim Hardaway Jr. and hip-hop artist 2 Chainz.
The store was full of official adidas NBA All-Star merchandise. I saw sick jerseys, men’s and women’s tee shirts, jackets, (The East and West jackets that were in black with an “E” or “W” were money.) headwear and other great apparel and accessories. If you missed out on checking out the store this weekend, well you are in luck. The store will remain open to fans through Feb. 23.
Not only did I go to the store in the French Quarter I was able to go right next door and check out the adidas suite. There I was able to go home with the adidas Top Ten. Talk about going old school, man these shows are sick. The Top Ten harks back to the ’70s and ’80s. This one-to-one reissue of the men’s shoe stays true to the details, in a full grain leather upper with a suede toe guard, contrast 3-Stripes and perforated details, on top of a grippy rubber outsole. Sneakerheads out there know this is a must for their collection. I was able to score the red colorway and some All-Star gear.
adidas did mix business with pleasure when they were putting on spectacular shows in New Orleans. There was an adidas in the Quarter party at House of Blues in Saturday night with a packed house featuring 2 Chainz, Snoop Dogg, Pusha T, YG, DJ Mustard and a special appearance by NBA All-Star and Sprite Slam Dunk champion John Wall of the Washington Wizards.
2 Chainz celebrated the release of his adidas Originals Top Ten Hi “2 Good to be T.R.U.” this weekend and fans were invited to attend the Blues party through a special adidas Originals giveaway at the adidas in the Quarter store.
In my opinion adidas did the NBA proud. They had innovative gear and kicks for those who crave the new school look. For those who love taking it back to the old school adidas didn’t disappoint either. Shoes like the Top Ten and Kareem’s shoe “The Blueprint” paid homage to the past. For a company that looks to remember the legends from the NBA’s past and give love and support to the current and future stars they gave an MVP style performance for All-Star weekend.
Feb 18th
