The one thing I absolutely despise about the east is all of the tolls. Especially in the New York/New Jersey area, there are a ludicrous amount of toll roads.
Anyways, the NETS play in the Meadowlands or East Rutherford, NJ, which is essentially right across the street from New York city.
Dave & I spent the day in New York City (see arena #13) and then caught a bus over to the newly renamed IZOD CENTER.
Here, we met up with Jeff Scott, Manager of Community Relations. Jeff was very informative, telling us how he works closely with Vince Carter in creating some community outreach programs for the children in the areea.
Jeff also told us how he will be a part of the transition to Brooklyn, acclimating those in the Brooklyn area to the new team and still maintaining the loyal New Jersey Nets fans.
Jeff first led us down to the court, with a quick stop at the MGM Lounge.
Down at the court, we met Augie. He explained to me that he is the one and only Augie. He was so humorous, that I had to have a photo with him. Augie, myself, and Jeff.
The Nets then treated Dave and I to dinner at one of the season ticket holder's lounge.
Before going to our seats, Jeff allowed us to stop by the media lounge, which is the best I've seen thus far and the player entrance.
I walked around the inside of the arena, which was a bit nicer than I had expected.
It even had an "Irish Pub" on-site.
Court shot from above
You don't see this banner everywhere! Over 1 million fans at the Izod Center.
A dynasty of the Atlantic Division for quite some time:
Jeff provided us with 2 tickets which each had a face value of over $100 and we sat down right before tip-off. The pregame entrance musics for the 2nd time this weekend was once again "Stronger." The best part of the entrances however was when Sly Fox, the mascot, was waving the New Jersey Nets flag and fireworks shot out from it at the end of the entrances.
Some of the Nets' greats:
I noticed more and more IZOD plugs around the arena. Is clothing apparel names the next big group of arena sponsors?
Tip-off
Kidd into the post
The 3 stars of the New Jersey Nets: Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson
Stephen Jackson shoots the technical free-throw:
A nice "collect all of the toys" promotion for the kids
Halftime entertainment: Santa Claus basketball. Fans were encouraged to show up to the arena early dressed as Santa. The best outfits would be elected to play in the Santa Claus game.
Masoct Sly Fox and the Mini-Sly
Vince is about to snag that rebound
The most odd sponsor I've seen to date:
Jason Kidd for three
Richard Jefferson at the line
In yet another nitebiter, the Nets defeat the Warriors
One last shot before taking the bus back to the NYC.
Another excellent sign
Rediculous tolls
Gingerbread House at the hotel
Thanks to David Morrow, Jeff Scott, and Augie.
Next stop: New York Knicks.
1 comment:
Hey Drew! This is Yolanda & Rio with THIS DJ, we met you at the Laker's game this past Sunday...Good luck with your tour!!!
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