S. Samuel
Rap mogul Jay-Z is looking to get Brooklyn Nets fans familiar with his 40/40 Club franchise by announcing plans to open the popular sports venue at his team's Barclays Center this fall.
Jay revealed the move and explained his motivation for opening a new 40/40 Club at the new arena this week.
The 40/40 Club will open its new location at the Barclays Center, the new sports and entertainment venue and home to the Brooklyn Nets. The $1 billion arena will house the 9,000 square-foot restaurant slated to debut on the arena’s opening night when Jay-Z performs in concert on September 28, 2012. “There is no better home for another 40/40 Club location than the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” stated Jay-Z. “The 40/40 Club has revolutionized restaurants in a way I anticipate Barclays Center to transform the arena watching experience.” (Inside Hoops)
Earlier this week, Jay’s new role at the Barclay Center came to light.
The new title emerged in papers filed by arena developer Forest City Ratner Cos. in its bid to secure a liquor license for the future home of the Brooklyn Nets. He’s already helped the Nets design the team’s Brooklyn logos and its yet-to-be-released jerseys. And he was especially hands-on in designing 11 luxury arena suites called “The Vault.” For the suites — which run $550,000 each — Jay-Z’s fingerprints are everywhere. He even helped choose the high-end forks, napkins and champagne that will be served. Arena brass declined to comment on whether he has any interest in the arena. Jay-Z is listed as an arena director along with Forest City CEO Bruce Ratner, David Berliner, Mary Anne Gilmartin, Christophe Charlier, Irina Pavlova and David Carlock. (New York Post)
Recently, Jigga explained his influence in designing the Nets’ new logo.
With this new Nets move, Jay-Z and Nets brass looked to the past in order to ensure the team’s place in the future. Vintage New York transit system signage served as their chief inspiration. “It was really a take off the old subway signs, if you look at the old subway signs they were in black and white. It was that strong, beautiful, iconic black and white,” Jay said. “I wanted to pick something that would stand the test of time and be here forever.” (MTV)
The new venue news comes just days after Jay teamed up with Duracell for his 40/40 Club franchise.
Jay-Z is linking up with Duracell and Powermat to act as a spokesperson for “Wireless Power Nation,” a phone charging system that will be installed on tables and bars in coffeeshops, restaurants, clubs, gyms, and public venues across the country. Currently, Jay-Z has the service available in his 40/40 Club in New York City. The revolutionary technology allows patrons to charge their phones by simply placing their cell phone or wireless device on the table. Duracell and GM have already used the technology on the Chevy Volt as well, so it is likely that consumers will see this technology in more and more cars in the near future as the technology becomes less expensive and demand increases for the convenience. (STL American)
Check out a Brooklyn Nets promo video below:
