And1, the basketball brand owned by Sequential Brands Group, Inc., unveiled plans for a series of special events and charitable activations in celebration of the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York City. Paying homage to Brooklyn Streetball culture, the historic grassroots basketball brand will kick-off its celebration with the launch of an exclusive pop-up retail lounge on Flatbush Avenue across from Barclays Center.
In partnership with Slam Magazine, And1 will host a private charity event with two of New York's greatest streetball legends Charlotte Hornet's Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson and former NBA star Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston. The evening will feature an art installation curated by Slam showcasing iconic basketball superstars and images of New York City streetballers. New product drops will also be showcased during the event with proceeds from all sales benefiting Brooklyn based community organization Little Essentials.
“We are thrilled to partner with And1 in paying tribute to NYC streetball culture during All-Star weekend with ballers like Rafer Alston and Lance Stephenson, longtime favorites of our magazine who we've covered and loved since their high school days and who have achieved acclaim and success everywhere from Rucker park to the NBA,” said Ben Osborne, editor-in-chief at Slam Magazine.
Additionally, Stephenson, an And1 signature athlete, will host a free basketball clinic for local youth at his hometown's Coney Island YMCA on the morning of February 14th as part of a continuing charitable partnership between Stephenson, And1 and the YMCA of Greater New York.
“For more than 20 years, And1 has been synonymous with authentic street basketball culture,” said Cape Capener, Senior Vice President at Sequential Brands Group. “We couldn't have asked for a more appropriate setting than NYC to celebrate the rich heritage of our brand and showcase our new product offerings during All-Star Weekend.”
The brand activations during All-Star weekend, come on the heels of the successful launch of And1's Xcelerate-Mid collection at national retailers including Dick's Sporting Goods, Eastbay, Foot Action, Hibbett Sports and online at FootLocker.com and Champs.com.
Immediately following All-Star Weekend, And1's “Queen City” pack, which is inspired by the city of Charlotte and features the classic Tai Chi mid ($100) and two new colorways of the Xcelerate ($85) will hit the shelves at select retailers nationwide.
For more information regarding And1's All-Star Weekend activations, please contact: Jaime Cassavechia at jcassavechia@sbg-ny.com or (212) 518-4771 x108.
Sequential Brands Group owns, promotes, markets, and licenses a portfolio of consumer brands that presently includes Ellen Tracy, William Rast, And1, Avia, People's Liberation, DVS, Heelys, Caribbean Joe, Revo, Nevados, Linens-N-Things and The Franklin Mint.
