Kobe Countdown Fuels Love and Hate

Love him or hate him, the Black Mamba’s prolific and successful career has fueled both joy and anger. In a nod to this duality, as the clock winds down on Kobe Bryant’s career, NIKE, Inc. is celebrating one of its most accomplished athletes with a befitting global tribute. Beginning today, Nike-sponsored athletes worldwide will celebrate the player many love to hate by wearing black and gold shoes, a metaphoric nod to Bryant’s golden career fading to black on April 13.

From the golf course in Augusta to football pitches in Europe and numerous fields of play in between, accomplished athletes including Rory McIlroy, Mike Trout and Carli Lloyd will honor one of the world’s most polarizing champions. Bryant is a hero to fans and a villain to others, but nobody can question his fierce competitiveness, which has led to five world championships, 18 All-Star appearances and two gold medals.

The black and gold Nike product seen worldwide over the next week appropriately leads into the Mamba Day celebration on April 13, when Los Angeles hosts Utah in Bryant’s final professional game.

Athletes featured in the video include: Sanya Richards-Ross, Russell Wilson, Kyrie Irving, Natalie Achonwa, Odell Beckham Jr., Paul George, Eric Koston and Kevin Durant.

*This is Press Release

Nike and Jordan Brand Present the Ultimate All-Star Experiences

As basketball fans from around the world descend on Toronto this week, Nike and Jordan Brand will celebrate the global game by providing Nike+ members with the ultimate Nike INC. All-Star experience.

 

 

SNKRS XPRESS

SNKRS XPRESS invites Nike+ members to experience the holistic power of Nike and Jordan by offering a curated selection of footwear including the Nike Air Force 1 Flyknit, Air Jordan XXX, Jordan Cement IV, Kobe 11 Royalty and several surprise drops. To secure a seat on the SNKRS XPRESS, members can register at nike.com/snkrsxpress. 

The Toronto SNRKS XPRESS Station will be located at 277 Queen Street West in downtown Toronto and open to the public (via membership) 10am to 8pm from Thursday, February 11, to Sunday, February 14. 

In addition to Toronto, SNKRS XPRESS Stations will also pop-up in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Appointments and sign-up are available through Nike.com/snkrsxpress.

Chicago (11AM - 8PM)
669 North Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Los Angeles (10AM - 7PM)
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

New York City (11AM - 7PM)
120 Wooster St.
Unit C
New York, NY 10012

Nike and Jordan Retail Locations
Canada’s first Jordan-only retail location, 306 Yonge (at 306 Yonge St.) provides the ultimate Jordan Brand experience in Toronto. The store will feature a premium assortment of Jordan footwear and apparel, including a rotation of product influenced by Toronto and the culture of basketball.

306 Yonge, Jordan only-retail store.

Jordan's "Best Of" Wall at 306 Yonge.

The store will also feature the Jordan Standard, an immersive experience available exclusively to Jordan members, in which participants use body tracking and ball control technology to test speed, control, agility, endurance and focus.

Located below 306 Yonge, 306 Underground serves up the ultimate VIP Jordan service experience. The lounge will offer customization, early product reservation, barber services and personal shopping. Nike+ members can sign up at Nike.com/snkrsxpress to reserve their spot.

Both spaces will officially open on Friday, February 12 at 6:23am EST and close on Monday, February 15 at 6:23pm.

NIKEiD Loft

Write a custom court story with NIKEiD, which invites you to personalize Nike's best signature hoops shoes with iconic graphics, All-Star color schemes, color-shift material options and more, at 548 Richmond Street West: Tuesday, February 9, 12pm-9pm; Wednesday, February 10, 12pm-5pm; Thursday, February 11, 12pm-6pm; Friday, February 12, 2pm -6pm; Saturday, February 13, 12pm-6pm; and Sunday, February 14, 11am-6pm.

On The Court

Throughout the weekend, Mattamy Centre, located at 50 Carlton St., will be the premiere Jordan performance location, featuring the Air Jordan XXX. Elite basketball athletes and Jordan members will have the opportunity to participate in Jordan Training sessions and learn from Jordan Brand athletes at exclusive player appearances.

On Thursday, Jordan Brand will look to bring elite talent from the United States up north to compete in the inaugural Jordan Brand Invitational, hosted at Mattamy Centre. Canada’s own Father Henry Carr and Orangeville Prep will face off against U.S. powerhouses Redondo Union and Oak Hill Prep beginning at 6pm. Admission is free for Jordan members. Visit Jordan.com/JBI to become a member and secure your spot at the game.

Tune into Nike.com/snkrsxpress throughout the week and follow @nikebasketball, @Jumpman23 and @NikeSportswear on Twitter for more information.

*This is Press Release