One of hip-hop's prominent mogul's Jay-Z recenlty made a big announcement. The rap artist, who is also partial owner of the New Jersey Nets announced that the NBA team will be rebranding, unveiling their new logos/city as the Brooklyn Nets. Jay made the announcement yesterday in Brooklyn at the Atlantic Terminal, whch is across the street of the Barclay's Center and soon to be the home of the "Brooklyn Nets." The center is set to be open September 28th, 2012.
"Its's already created so many jobs.... there are lot of vendors," added Jay-Z speaking form the plaza at Atlantic Terminal overlooking the Center.
"I like that. You know what it is, it's deep love. Biggie had a line 'spread love, that's the Brooklyn way." Its deep love we have for our heros. We walk around with that," said Jay.
Jay even spoke on the number of championship he expects from his team?
"Maybe one, maybe two, maybe three- I sound like Lebron," Jay-Z joked, referring to LeBron Jame's infamous prediction of the number of championships the Miami Heat would win.
Brett Yormar, who is the Net's top marketing executive spoke on the transition where he stated:
"We think we've developed a lot of equity behind brand Nets. [....] Brooklyn was easy. Brooklyn is iconic. It transcends the marketplace. In many respects, it's a global name and reference."
Rumor has it, half of the luxury seats have been sold. Jay and his team are trying to bring in big spenders and local businesses to spend over $15,000 ($15,400 to be exact) for the all access passes. Season tickets are set to go on sale March 2010. Reports say, Jay is even planning a line of events and concerts for the opening of the arena, which will star the knowles-carters. Stay tuned for this major project in the works.
Check out the video of the press conference and pics below:
Side Note: I wonder how New Jersey feels about this change. I know I would feel terrible if the Miami Heat were relocated to another city. But, this change is a bitter sweet. Brooklyn finally gains their own team and a lot of jobs have been created. However, it's a major lost for the New Jersey Nets, from losing their team of so many years to job losses. STAY TUNED!
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