Rookie USA, the (relatively) new kids’ sporting goods store at 808 Columbus Avenue (99th), is holding its grand opening on Friday, and there’s quite a celebrity guest list. Carmelo Anthony sounds like he will definitely be there, as will a hologram of Carmelo, but the rest of the list sounds…questionable. From Rookie USA’s facebook page:
“Also in attendance: Amar’e Stoudemire (New York Knicks), Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks), Rip Hamilton (Chicago Bulls), Jason Kidd (New York Knicks), Carl Banks (NFL Legend; 2x Super Bowl Champion, New York Giants), Nigel Sylvester (BMX Pro-Athlete), Terrence J (Host, E! News), Fern Mallis (Founder, New York Fashion Week), Derek Jeter (New York Yankees).”
There’s also a press release floating around saying CC Sabathia might also be there.
Of course, both Jeter and Sabathia will potentially be playing a do-or-die game 5 at Yankee Stadium on Friday and it would seem a little strange for them also to be doing promotional events. Sabathia will likely be scheduled to pitch. But who are we to judge?
A store rep confirmed that Carmelo plans to be there, but could not confirm the rest of the players. The grand opening lasts from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Rookie USA created an events page with this information:
“Prizes, Give-aways and virtual games all day! PLUS Win a chance to Meet NY Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony with any Jordan or Melo Kids purchase from 5:30-6:30 pm. (Please note, no outside product allowed). In conjunction with the grand opening, Jordan will be releasing on this day five (5) retro footwear models designed in exclusive colorways – only for the kids’ market, and only in limited quantities. The models are: Air Jordan 11, Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 7 and Air Jordan 6 (girls only).”
Below, watch Carmelo get turned into a hologram:
