Rap mogul Jay-Z can add another title to his growing profile with reports claiming he has been named the “Director of the Arena” for Brooklyn Nets’ Barclays stadium.
Already a minority investor of the Nets, Hov is now one of seven directors at the arena.
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)
A few weeks ago, the buzzing logo was officially unveiled at a public gathering.
The Nets began settling into their new neighborhood Monday, unveiling new colors and logos at a sporting goods store on Flatbush Avenue, across the street from its soon-to-be-completed home arena, the $1 billion Barclays Center. “Hello Brooklyn,”‘ center Brook Lopez said. “I’ve been waiting a long time to say that. It’s very exciting.” Lopez was joined by coach Avery Johnson, General Manager Billy King, Bruce Ratner, the real estate developer and minority owner who was the catalyst behind the team’s relocation, and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. (Sports Illustrated)
While co-signed by many, the iconic image stirred a negative reaction from New York Post columnist Phil Mushnik.
“As long as the Nets are allowing Jay-Z to call their marketing shots — what a shock that he chose black and white as the new team colors to stress, as the Nets explained, their new “urban” home — why not have him apply the full Jay-Z treatment? Why the Brooklyn Nets when they can be the New York N——s? The cheerleaders could be the Brooklyn B—-hes or Hoes. Team logo? A 9 mm with hollow-tip shell casings strewn beneath. Wanna be Jay-Z hip? Then go all the way!” (New York Post)
